Description
A delicious baked rigatoni dish featuring spinach and ricotta, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, the egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until creamy and well blended.
- Gently fold in the rigatoni and spinach mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the rigatoni mixture over the sauce, then pour the remaining marinara on top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
- You can include cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for added protein and taste.
- For a healthier twist, opt for whole wheat rigatoni and low-fat cheese options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg