Baked Rigatoni Spinach Ricotta

Baked rigatoni with spinach and ricotta is the ultimate comfort dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up. I love how creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella melt into the pasta while tangy marinara and a hint of spinach brighten every bite. This recipe is my go-to when I need to feed a hungry crowd or want a cozy meal that stores beautifully for leftovers.

I first baked this dish for a family Sunday meal everyone scraped their plates clean and now it is always requested for special occasions.

Ingredients

• Rigatoni pasta: a sturdy tube pasta that holds up to baking look for bronze cut for best sauce grip
• Ricotta cheese: creamy and mild use whole milk ricotta if possible for richness
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and gives that classic stretchy top always check for fresh mozzarella without extra additives
• Grated Parmesan cheese: adds salty nuttiness use real Parmigiano Reggiano for deep flavor
• Fresh spinach: adds color and a subtle earthy taste choose bright green leaves without wilting
• Marinara sauce: brings tang and brightness homemade or store bought just pick one with straightforward ingredients
• Garlic powder: delivers savory depth make sure it smells fresh before using
• Dried oregano: offers that classic Italian aroma use recently opened dried herbs for best flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: essential for seasoning and balancing all the other flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Dish:

Set your oven to 190 degrees Celsius and grease a rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking and help the edges caramelize for extra flavor.

Mix the Pasta and Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl combine cooked rigatoni marinara sauce sautéed spinach garlic powder dried oregano salt and pepper. Stir until the pasta is totally coated and the spinach is distributed throughout.

Layer the Pasta and Cheeses:

Spoon half of the pasta mixture into your baking dish. Scatter spoonfuls of ricotta over the surface and cover with half of the shredded mozzarella. This first layer captures all the creamy goodness.

Add the Second Layer:

Add the rest of the pasta making sure it covers the first layer evenly. Dot with the remaining ricotta and finish with the rest of the mozzarella for a spectacular golden topping.

Finish and Bake:

Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan over everything for full flavor and a crispy brown top. Bake uncovered for twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese is bubbling and browned at the edges.

Rest and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let your rigatoni rest for five minutes before scooping generous portions while the sauce is still hot and the cheese is molten.

Ricotta is my favorite here its creamy lightness brings the filling together without weighing the dish down. The first time I baked this I remember my niece’s face lighting up at her first cheesy bite and now she loves helping layer the cheese before baking.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover baked rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It also freezes well just wrap in layers with foil and plastic for up to three months. To reheat let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 180 degrees Celsius until hot.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten free version swap the rigatoni for any gluten free pasta shaped like tubes or shells. If you want more veggies try stirring in roasted zucchini or red pepper along with the spinach.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to scoop up extra sauce. For a gathering offer roasted vegetables on the side and a glass of Italian red wine to complete the meal.

Cultural and Historical Context

Baked pasta dishes like this are classic comfort foods in Italian cuisine known as pasta al forno. These meals originated as a way to transform leftover pasta and cheese into an elegant company worthy dish oven baked to perfection for Sunday suppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

→ What substitutions can I make for dietary needs?

Gluten-free pasta can be used in place of regular rigatoni. For a vegetarian-friendly version, ensure your cheeses are prepared using vegetarian rennet.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can I add other vegetables or meats?

Yes, you can customize it by adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or cooked sausage for extra flavor and variety.

→ Why rest the baked dish before serving?

Allowing the baked rigatoni to rest for a few minutes lets the cheese set and makes portioning easier, ensuring tidy servings.