Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

creamy zucchini and spinach rigatoni

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Vanessa "Nikita" Milare
Hilo, HI

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.

(1 rating)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 25 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For creamy zucchini and spinach rigatoni

  • 8 oz
    rigatoni pasta, uncooked
  • 1 tsp
    oil
  • 1 md
    zucchini, sliced
  • 1/2 lb
    fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp
    all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp
    dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp
    dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp
    crushed red pepper
  • 1 c
    chicken broth
  • 4 oz
    Neufchatel cheese, cubed
  • 1 pkg
    baby spinach (8 oz)
  • 1/4 c
    Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 1/2 c
    shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

How To Make creamy zucchini and spinach rigatoni

  • 1
    Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the pasta as directed on the package. Omit the salt.
  • 2
    In the meantime, heat oil in a large frying pan on medium heat.
  • 3
    Add the zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic.
  • 4
    Cook and stir for 3 - 4 minutes or until the zucchini is crisp yet tender.
  • 5
    Then add in the flour and seasonings. Cook and stir again for about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • 6
    Stir in the broth. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened.
  • 7
    Add in the Neufchatel cheese.
  • 8
    Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
  • 9
    Drain the cooked pasta. Add to the zucchini mixture.
  • 10
    Then add the spinach, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
  • 11
    Mix lightly.
  • 12
    Spray a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Spoon the mixture into the casserole dish.
  • 13
    Then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella.
  • 14
    Bake for about 10 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted.

Categories & Tags for Creamy Zucchini and Spinach Rigatoni:

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT