Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this creamy and healthy zucchini spinach rigatoni, a delectable dish that combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with the comforting embrace of pasta. This recipe features wholesome ingredients like zucchini, spinach, and lean ground turkey, all simmered in a luscious creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. The result is a flavorful and nutritious meal that is sure to please the entire family. Accompany this main course with a refreshing side of roasted cherry tomatoes and a zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CREAMY ZUCCHINI AND SPINACH RIGATONI
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic; cook and stir 3 to 4 minutes, or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Add flour and seasonings; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in broth; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened. Add Neufchatel; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes, or until melted.
- Drain pasta; return to pan. Add zucchini mixture, spinach, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup mozzarella; mix lightly. Spoon into 2-quart casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake 10 minutes, or until mozzarella is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 330 calories
CREAMY ZUCCHINI & SPINACH RIGATONI
Creamy - check; Pasta - check; vegetables - check. This recipe has everything it needs to be a new family favorite.
Provided by Kraft Natural Cheese
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 6 1-1/3-cup servings, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- HEAT oven to 375ºF.
- COOK pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt.
- MEANWHILE, heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms and garlic; cook and stir 3 to 4 minute or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Add flour and seasonings; cook and stir 1 minute Stir in broth; cook and stir 2 to 3 minute or until thickened. Add Neufchatel; cook and stir 2 to 3 minute or until melted.
- DRAIN pasta; return to pan. Add zucchini mixture, spinach, Parmesan and 1/2 cup mozzarella; mix lightly. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining mozzarella.
- BAKE 10 minute or until mozzarella is melted.
- Preparing Perfect Pasta: Follow the package directions to ensure that enough water is used for cooking the pasta. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente (tender but still a little firm to the bite), stirring frequently. To prevent pasta from sticking, add it slowly to plenty of boiling water and stir frequently while cooking. Adding oil to the cooking water is not recommended because some sauces may not cling to pasta coated with oil.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with fresh fruit and a side salad to round out the meal.
- Nutrition Information Per Serving: 330 calories, 13g total fat, 8g saturated fat, 40mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate, 3g dietary fiber, 3g sugars, 18g protein, 45%DV vitamin A, 15%DV vitamin C, 35%DV calcium, 15%DV iron.
BAKED SPINACH AND ZUCCHINI
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-14-by-2-inch oval baking dish, or six individual cast-iron pans, with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the scallions and zucchini and saute for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Lightly press most of the water out of the spinach and add it to the pan. Add the rice, basil, parsley, nutmeg, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and toss well. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, the -remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter, and the 1/4 cup Parmesan. Pour the mixture over the spinach and zucchini and smooth the top. Sprinkle with some extra Parmesan and the Gruyere. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
CREAMY CREAMY ZUCCHINI & SPINACH RIGATONI
This is just a great dish to make with any left over zucchini's or other veggies. I make this at least once every 2 weeks with a different twist every time.
Provided by Vanessa "Nikita" Milare
Categories Other Main Dishes
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. Heat the oven to 375F. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan as dircted on the package, omitting the salt.
- 2. In the mean time, heat the oil in large fryong pan on medium heat. Add in the zucchini,mushrooms & garlic. Cook & stir for about 3 to 4 mins or until zucchini is crisp & tender.
- 3. Then add in the flour & seasonings. Cook & stir again for about 1 to 2 mins. Stir in the broth, cook for another 2 to 3 mins or until thickened. Add in the Neufchatel cheese, cook & stir for about 2 to 3 mins or until the cheese has melted.
- 4. Drain the pasta, return to the pan & add in the zucchini mixture. Then add in the spinach,parmesan & 1/2 cup mozzarella. Mix lightly & spoon into 2 qt. casserole dish. Spray with cooking spray. Then top with remaining mozzarella.
- 5. Bake for about 10 mins or until mozzarella is melted.
CREAMY SPINACH & RIGATONI BAKE
Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. My recipe gives it an Italian twist. -Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°. Cook rigatoni according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings; wipe skillet clean., In same pan, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese blend until melted., Stir in artichokes, spinach and pancetta. Drain rigatoni; add to cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese., Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and bubbly, 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 643 calories, Fat 35g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 99mg cholesterol, Sodium 1438mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
CREAMY HEALTHY ZUCCHINI & SPINACH RIGATONI
This is SO good,meatless,lower fat,but you cannot tell!It is really tasty and filling.
Provided by Lana Bade
Categories Pasta
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- 2. Cook pasta {a half box} as directed on box
- 3. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the zucchini,mushrooms,and garlic Cook and STIR until zucchini is crisp-tender.
- 4. ADD FLOUR.Add seasonings.Cook & stir about 1 minute.
- 5. Stir in the broth. Cook & stir about 2-3 minutes.[until thickened]
- 6. Add Neufchatel;cook and stir 2-3 minutes longer.[until melted in]
- 7. DRAIN PASTA WELL Return to pan.
- 8. Add zucchini mixture,then spinach,Parmesan,and 1/2 cup mozzarella;mix lightly.
- 9. spoon into a greased [with cooking spray] 2 quart casserole.
- 10. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese on top is melted and light brown.
- 11. Serve with a salad or crusty rolls.
- 12. VERY LIGHT and yet filling.
Tips:
- For the creamiest sauce, use a high-quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the zucchini and spinach. Cook them in batches if necessary to prevent them from becoming watery.
- Season the sauce to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice.
- If you don't have rigatoni, you can use another type of short pasta, such as penne or rotini.
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Conclusion:
This creamy zucchini spinach rigatoni is a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's packed with vegetables, and the creamy sauce is made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, so it's lighter than traditional Alfredo sauce. Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes! So next time you're looking for a quick and easy pasta dish, give this recipe a try.
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