Creamy Spinach Rigatoni Recipe

This creamy spinach rigatoni is one of my favorite comfort dishes to make when I want something rich, hearty, and full of flavor. The combination of tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a velvety cream sauce creates a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to prepare yet tastes like something from an Italian restaurant. The sauce is luxuriously smooth, the spinach adds freshness and color, and the parmesan brings that irresistible salty richness. It’s perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or whenever I crave a creamy pasta dish that feels special.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

3 cups fresh spinach
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium onion finely diced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ½ teaspoon salt
8 oz rigatoni cooked al dente

Directions

1. I start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once melted, I add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. I sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute to form a light roux.
4. Gradually, I pour in the heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps, then I let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. I season the sauce with salt and ground nutmeg, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy, rich sauce.
6. Next, I add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook just until it wilts, stirring often to mix it evenly with the sauce.
7. Finally, I toss in the cooked rigatoni, stirring until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy spinach sauce.
8. I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 25 minutes to prepare—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add cooked chicken for extra protein. I’ve also substituted part of the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version. For a touch of spice, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes. When I want more vegetables, I mix in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes along with the spinach.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover creamy rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s smoothness. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, I can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

I add a bit more cream or a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much while cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately. I cook the pasta fresh when I’m ready to serve, then mix them together.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I sometimes use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter but still creamy texture.

How can I make it gluten-free?

I replace the regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

I prefer freshly grated parmesan, but I’ve also used pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp all pair beautifully with the creamy spinach sauce.

How do I keep the spinach bright green?

I cook it just until wilted and avoid overcooking, which helps maintain its vibrant color.

Can I bake this pasta dish?

Yes, I sometimes transfer it to a baking dish, top it with extra parmesan, and bake until bubbly and golden.

What side dishes go well with creamy spinach rigatoni?

I like serving it with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

I love how this creamy spinach rigatoni turns simple ingredients into a comforting, elegant meal. The sauce is rich yet balanced by the freshness of the spinach, and the rigatoni holds the creamy goodness perfectly. It’s a dish I keep coming back to whenever I want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.

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