Description
Elevate your dinner game with this vibrant and cheesy Ultimate Veggie Lover’s Rigatoni. Packed with fresh spinach, blistered cherry tomatoes, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this pasta bake combines comfort and health in every bite. A bubbling layer of mozzarella and Parmesan adds the perfect finishing touch to this hearty dish, making it ideal for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 oz fresh spinach (about 4–6 cups)
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 portobello mushroom caps, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 9 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 25 oz pasta sauce of your choice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1¾ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the diced mushrooms, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
-
Cook Spinach and Tomatoes:
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3–4 minutes until blistered and juicy.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Pour the pasta sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Season with salt, dried basil, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente, as per package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the vegetable sauce.
- Gently toss to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
-
Bake with Cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture to a large baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
-
Serve:
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies like asparagus or broccoli for even more variety.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the cheese with vegan alternatives and ensure the pasta sauce is dairy-free.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired