Fresh Spinach Parmesan Rigatoni

recipe image of fresh spinach rigatoni pasta parmesan cheese garlic extra virgin olive oil ricotta cheese fresh mozzarella heavy cream butter onions lemon zest red pepper flakes fresh basil salt black pepper nutmeg arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight

C. Motter Cindy

Fresh Spinach Parmesan Rigatoni

A quick and easy dinner idea that combines fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and rigatoni pasta for a creamy, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Pasta

1 pound rigatoni pasta or your preferred short pasta shape

Sauce

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced, fresh is best for that vibrant flavor
1/2 cup yellow onion finely chopped, optional but adds a subtle sweetness
10 ounces fresh spinach washed and rough chopped, you can use frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, if desired
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter sauce
1/2 cup pasta cooking water
1 cup Parmesan cheese grated, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano makes all the difference
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg a secret ingredient that beautifully complements spinach
to taste salt
to taste black pepper freshly ground black pepper

Optional additions for serving

Optional Red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Optional fresh basil
Optional lemon zest
Optional ricotta cheese 1/4 cup, stirred in at the end for extra creaminess
Optional shredded fresh mozzarella 1/4 cup, stirred in at the end for extra richness
Optional butter 1 tablespoon, for a richer finish

Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method

Boil the Rigatoni

Sauté the Aromatics

Infuse with Garlic

Wilt the Spinach

Create the Creamy Base

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Stir in the Parmesan

Season and Serve

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 30g

Notes

This Fresh Spinach Parmesan Rigatoni is a quick and easy dinner idea that combines fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and rigatoni pasta for a creamy, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with various optional additions to suit your taste preferences. The dish is also versatile and can be adapted to dietary needs such as gluten-free or dairy-free options.

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