Creamy Garlic Rigatoni with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is the comfort dish you need! Tender rigatoni with a garlicky cream sauce, fresh spinach, sweet yet tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for entertaining, and it’s vegetarian-friendly.
If you love this recipe, check out my Maafe West African Peanut Stew, Cheddar, Gouda, Pimento Cheesy Potato Bake and this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas recipe.
What is Rigatoni?
It’s an Italian pasta with a wide, tube-shaped pasta with ridges on the outside and a smooth texture inside. I love this pasta because it’s perfect for creamy, hearty dishes, and it’s filling.
Recipe Details for Creamy Garlic Rigatoni with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sometimes, it’s the simplest of ingredients that make the most comforting meals. Now and then, I crave creamy pasta. I love authentic Italian dishes so of course this dish was inspired by the cuisine. I added in garlic and I also wanted to try goat’s milk, so I decided to use it in this recipe. It was a fantastic addition to this creamy rigatoni pasta.
One of my favorite things to add to pasta is sun-dried tomatoes. It just takes things to the next level with its sweet, yet tangy flavor. I added fresh garlic, seasonings, and whipped up a delicious cream sauce. This recipe can be prepared in one pot (like my Maafe Peanut Stew). It’s simple, delicious, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Revisions & Swaps for Creamy Garlic Rigatoni with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Feel free to use traditional heavy cream in the place of goat’s milk.
- To make this recipe vegan, use heavy dairy-free cream. I’ve used it before, and it’s just as delicious.
- Vegan parmesan is excellent in the place of traditional (dairy) parmesan and it is also delicious!
- If you don’t like spinach, try kale!
Serve this pasta with a glass of your favorite white wine or beverage, and you have a perfect weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.
Other Recipes You Will Enjoy!
Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Stacks
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Maafe West African Peanut Stew
I hope you enjoy this creamy rigatoni recipe! Let me know if you make it. You can find me on all platforms: @myprettybrowneats on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok, and using the #myprettybrowneats hashtag on FB, IG, and TikTok!
Creamy Garlic Rigatoni with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rigatoni dry pasta
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil (for paste)
- 4 cloves chopped or minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup Whole Goat Milk
- 1 cup freshly grated or shedded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cooking white wine optional
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta)
- 1 cup olive-oil infused sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 generous handful of spinach
- pinch red chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Bring 5-6 quarts of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Boil pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally for 12 minutes or until al dente. Remove from heat and drain. Set aside.
- Melt butter or oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chopped garlic. Whisk in flour to form a paste; cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and stir.
- Whisk in goat's milk, parmesan cheese, and cooking wine (optional). Cook and stir continously until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Note – For a Thicker Sauce: Add flour to make a slurry to reach desired sauce thickness (1 teaspoon at a time). 1:1 ratio with water (1 teaspoon flour = 1 teaspoon water)
Prepare Rigatoni Pasta
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Transfer pasta to large pan, then add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and toss.
- Pour creamy garlic sauce over pasta and spinach, then toss until fully coated.
- Top with crushed red peppers and parmesan cheese.
- Serve and enjoy!
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