Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta 🌟

If comfort food had a love language, Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta would be speaking it fluently. Picture this: tender rigatoni coated in a rich, creamy ricotta mixture, layered with vibrant spinach, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella, all finished with a golden, cheesy Parmesan crust. It’s cozy, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up—a perfect dish for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl.

Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Rigatoni

Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy, and carb-loaded in the best way possible.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and no complicated steps.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A hearty, meat-free meal that’s still packed with flavor.
Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

What Does It Taste Like? 🤤

Think of your favorite lasagna but with less fuss and more creaminess. The rigatoni holds onto the creamy ricotta mixture in every ridge and hollow, creating little flavor pockets in each bite. The spinach adds freshness, the marinara sauce brings a tangy tomato brightness, and the mozzarella-Parmesan topping melts into a gooey, golden crust. It’s rich, cheesy, slightly tangy, and utterly delicious.

Benefits of This Dish

Rich in Protein & Calcium: Thanks to ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Sneaky Greens: A great way to get more spinach into your diet.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead of time and baking when ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz rigatoni pasta 🍝
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped 🌿
1 cup ricotta cheese 🥄 (full-fat for creaminess, but part-skim works too)
1 cup marinara sauce 🍅 (use your favorite jarred or homemade version)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 🧀
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧂
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and pepper, to taste ✨

Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, fresh basil for extra flavor, or sautéed mushrooms for more veggies.

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Skillet (for sautéing garlic and spinach)
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Spoon or spatula for mixing
Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Pasta Swap: Penne, ziti, or even shells work well if you don’t have rigatoni.
Greens Galore: Substitute kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for spinach.
Cheese Variations: Add dollops of mascarpone for extra richness or sprinkle feta for a tangy twist.
Protein Boost: Add cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.

How to Make Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. (It will continue cooking in the oven.) Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir in the sautéed spinach until well mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In the same pot you used for the pasta (or a large bowl), combine the cooked rigatoni, marinara sauce, and ricotta-spinach mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let the baked rigatoni rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.

What to Serve with Creamy Baked Rigatoni

Garlic Bread: Because more carbs = more happiness.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp, fresh side with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables: Like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
A Glass of Red Wine: A light Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Baked Rigatoni

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
Use Good Marinara: Since it’s a key flavor, a quality sauce makes a difference.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil and Parmesan on top before baking for extra texture.
Let It Rest: Resting after baking helps the dish hold together better when serving.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts.
Freeze: Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rigatoni, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Just thaw, squeeze out excess water, and use it in place of fresh spinach.

3. How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Also, double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

4. Can I add meat to this dish?
Definitely! Browned Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken would all be delicious.

Wrapping It Up 🌟

This Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but feels special enough for a cozy gathering with family or friends. The layers of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, vibrant spinach, and hearty pasta are guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! 🍝✨

Craving More Cheesy, Comforting Pasta Dishes?

Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Spinach
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Pesto Pasta Bake with Mozzarella

Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! 😊🌿🧀