Description
This Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired casserole featuring al dente rigatoni pasta combined with creamy ricotta cheese, sautéed fresh spinach, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to perfection until bubbly and golden, it makes a delicious meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the rigatoni dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the rigatoni pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly to prepare it for mixing with the cheese and spinach.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, the sautéed spinach and garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to create a creamy filling.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked rigatoni to the ricotta and spinach mixture, stirring gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese and spinach mix.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly. Spread half of the rigatoni mixture in the dish, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining rigatoni mixture followed by the rest of the mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese, layering evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden and slightly crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture; part-skim can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before use.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste and dietary needs.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil on top before baking.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if starting cold.
