creamy zucchini and spinach rigatoni
This is a great dish to make with any leftover zucchini or other veggies. I make this at least once every 2 weeks with a different twist.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Savory, creamy, and delicious, add this creamy zucchini and spinach rotini to your dinner menu. The zucchini adds a sweet flavor and keeps its slightly crisp texture. Mushrooms add heartiness and an earthy flavor. Neufchatel cheese has a similar consistency to cream cheese and, along with flour, thickens the rich and creamy sauce. The sauce is combined with the zucchini mixture, spinach, and pasta and then topped with mozzarella cheese. Once baked, each bite is flavorful and cheesy. Substitute vegetable stock for chicken broth and this is a delicious vegetarian meal.
prep time
20 Min
cook time
25 Min
method
Stove Top
yield
6 serving(s)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces Neufchatel cheese, cubed
- 1 package baby spinach (8 oz)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
How To Make creamy zucchini and spinach rigatoni
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Step 1Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the pasta as directed on the package. Omit the salt. -
Step 2In the meantime, heat oil in a large frying pan on medium heat.
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Step 3Add the zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic.
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Step 4Cook and stir for 3 - 4 minutes or until the zucchini is crisp yet tender.
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Step 5Then add in the flour and seasonings. Cook and stir again for about 1 to 2 minutes.
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Step 6Stir in the broth. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened.
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Step 7Add in the Neufchatel cheese.
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Step 8Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
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Step 9Drain the cooked pasta. Add to the zucchini mixture.
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Step 10Then add the spinach, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
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Step 11Mix lightly.
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Step 12Spray a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Spoon the mixture into the casserole dish.
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Step 13Then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella.
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Step 14Bake for about 10 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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