Creamy Spinach Rigatoni Pasta
Description
This creamy spinach rigatoni pasta is a silky, garlic-infused dish loaded with tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s simple yet indulgent—ready in under 30 minutes!
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
250g rigatoni pasta
Water (for boiling)
1 tsp salt
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely choppe)
1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup milk
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
Optional Add-ins:
Grilled chicken
Mushrooms
Sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil.
Add rigatoni and cook until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Heat butter and olive oil in a pan.
Add onion and sauté until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add Spinach
Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Make it Creamy
Pour in cream and milk.
Stir gently and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add Cheese & Seasoning
Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
6. Combine Pasta
Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce.
Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
7. Serve
Garnish with extra Parmesan and chili flakes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
Use fresh spinach for better flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be slightly firm.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-packaged).
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
2. Can I make it lighter?
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
3. How to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. How to reheat?
Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 450–550 kcal
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g