Best 4 Creamy Zucchini Spinach Rigatoni Recipes

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Creamy Zucchini Spinach Rigatoni: A Delightful Symphony of Flavors

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our Creamy Zucchini Spinach Rigatoni, a delectable dish that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh zucchini, tender spinach, and succulent rigatoni pasta, all harmoniously blended in a luscious creamy sauce. This culinary masterpiece is not only a feast for the senses but also a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients.

This recipe is a symphony of textures, with the velvety smooth sauce enveloping the al dente pasta, crisp zucchini adding a refreshing crunch, and wilted spinach contributing a subtle earthiness. The creamy sauce, crafted with a blend of cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, adds a touch of richness and indulgence to the dish, while the generous helping of herbs, including basil, thyme, and oregano, infuses each bite with an aromatic burst of flavor.

But that's not all! This article also features a collection of equally enticing recipes sure to satisfy any palate. From the delightful Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Pasta, boasting a vibrant sauce made from roasted red peppers, basil, and pine nuts, to the hearty and flavorful Sausage and Kale Pasta, packed with succulent sausage, tender kale, and a savory tomato-based sauce, there's something for everyone to savor.

For those seeking a lighter option, the article includes the refreshing Zucchini and Goat Cheese Pasta, where sautéed zucchini, tangy goat cheese, and a hint of lemon zest come together to create a dish that is both light and satisfying. And for a taste of the sea, the Shrimp Scampi Pasta delivers a delectable combination of succulent shrimp, sautéed in garlic, white wine, and butter, tossed with spaghetti for a classic and elegant meal.

With its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and symphony of flavors, the Creamy Zucchini Spinach Rigatoni is a dish that will leave you craving more. And with the additional recipes featured in this article, you'll have a collection of pasta dishes that will become staples in your culinary repertoire. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that promises to delight and satisfy.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY ZUCCHINI AND SPINACH RIGATONI



Creamy Zucchini and Spinach Rigatoni image

Creamy -check; Pasta -check; vegetables -check. This recipe has everything it needs to be a new family favorite.

Provided by Kraft

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 ounces rigatoni pasta, uncooked
1 teaspoon oil
1 zucchini, sliced
½ pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon flour
¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves
¼ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
½ (8 ounce) container PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
1 (6 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
1 ½ cups KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 ½ cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a Touch of PHILADELPHIA, divided

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 min. or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Add flour and seasonings; cook and stir 1 min. Stir in broth; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until thickened. Add Neufchatel; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. 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 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.6 calories, Carbohydrate 34.9 g, Cholesterol 58.3 mg, Fat 19.5 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 26.1 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Sodium 756.4 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

CREAMY ZUCCHINI & SPINACH RIGATONI



Creamy Zucchini & Spinach Rigatoni image

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

8 ounces rigatoni pasta, uncooked (1/2 of 16-oz. pkg.)
1 teaspoon oil
1 zucchini, sliced
1/2 lb sliced fresh mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
4 ounces PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.)
1 (6 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup Kraft® Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a Touch of PHILADELPHIA, divided

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.

CREAMY CREAMY ZUCCHINI & SPINACH RIGATONI



Creamy Creamy Zucchini & Spinach Rigatoni image

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

8 oz rigatoni pasta, uncooked
1 tsp oil
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1/2 lb mushrooms, fresh & sliced
2 garlic cloves, mined
1 Tbsp all purpose flour
1/4 tsp each... basil leaves, oregano leaves, & crushed red peppers
1 c chicken broth, low-fat
4 oz philly neufchatel cheese, cubed
1 pkg baby spinach
1/4 c parmesan cheese, grated
1-1 1/2 c mozzarella cheese shredded & divided

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 HEALTHY ZUCCHINI & SPINACH RIGATONI



Creamy Healthy Zucchini & Spinach Rigatoni image

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

8 oz rigatoni or any pasta in simular shape is best.
1 tsp oil
1 medium zucchini/sliced
8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms
2 clove minced garlic
1 Tbsp flour
1/4 tsp each:dried basil,oregano,and crushed red pepper
1 c fat-free reduced sodium chicken broth
4 oz philadelphia reduced fat cream cheese [neufchatel};half of an 8 ounce box
1 pkg baby spinach leaves[6 ounces]
1/4 c grated fresh parmesan cheese
1 1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese with a touch of philadelphia/divided
or lower fat brand of mozzarella if desired.

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:

  • Choose the right zucchini: Use small to medium-sized zucchini that are firm and deep green in color. Avoid large zucchini as they tend to be watery.
  • Slice the zucchini properly: Cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick half moons. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
  • Cook the zucchini over medium heat: This will prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the zucchini, do not overcrowd the pan. Otherwise, it will steam instead of sautéing.
  • Add the spinach at the end: Spinach cooks quickly, so add it to the pan towards the end of cooking.
  • Use a good quality cream: The cream is one of the key ingredients in this dish, so use a good quality cream that is at least 35% fat.
  • Season to taste: Season the dish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Zucchini Spinach Rigatoni is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The combination of zucchini, spinach, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy pasta dish, give this Creamy Zucchini Spinach Rigatoni a try.

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