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Creamy Garlic Rigatoni with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Garlic Rigatoni with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is the comfort dish that 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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-Inspired
Servings 4

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!
Keyword one pot meals, pasta