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Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta

Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta: Total Comfort Food

Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta is a comforting vegetarian dish that combines pasta, cheese, and healthy greens for a delightful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Rigatoni You can use any short pasta as a substitute.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought works perfectly!
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Swap for fresh minced garlic for a more robust taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can also be used as an alternative.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to your personal taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to your personal taste.
For the Greens
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach Frozen spinach can be used; just be sure to thaw and drain it well.
For the Cheesy Layer
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese is a good substitute if you’re looking for a different texture.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Opt for low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated Pecorino can make a great alternative.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Medium Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the rigatoni in boiling salted water according to package instructions for about 8–10 minutes for al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a medium skillet, sauté the fresh spinach in a drizzle of olive oil for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  4. Combine the cooked rigatoni with marinara sauce, sautéed spinach, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Layer half of the pasta mixture in the greased baking dish, dollops of ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  6. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta mixture, ricotta, and the rest of the mozzarella.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to swap in different cheeses or greens to suit your taste. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.

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