This Creamy Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni is a flavor-packed, restaurant-quality pasta dish that comes together in 30 minutes! With a rich, garlicky cream sauce, fresh spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender rigatoni, it’s a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that everyone will love.
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich & Creamy – A smooth, velvety sauce coats every bite.
✔️ Quick & Easy – 30 minutes, one pan, no hassle!
✔️ Packed with Flavor – Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and cream make every bite irresistible.
✔️ Vegetarian-Friendly – A hearty, meatless pasta dish that satisfies.
✔️ Customizable – Add chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for extra protein.
-Ingredients
1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) ️
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cups fresh spinach
½ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
Optional Add-Ins:
Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
Sautéed mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor
A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook rigatoni until al dente, according to package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
-Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream, then add Parmesan, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Step 3: Add Spinach & Combine
1. Add fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted.
2. Pour in ½ cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
3. Toss in the cooked rigatoni, stirring until well coated.
4. Let everything cook together for 2 more minutes to absorb flavors.
-Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
1. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!
-Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce!
With a Fresh Side Salad – A light, lemony arugula or Caesar salad pairs beautifully.
With a Glass of Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce.
-Tips for the Best Creamy Rigatoni
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente is key for a perfect texture.
Use Fresh Garlic – It enhances the flavor of the sauce.
High-Quality Parmesan Matters – Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, non-grainy sauce.
Add Herbs for Freshness – A sprinkle of basil or parsley adds a fresh touch.
Adjust Sauce Consistency – Add more pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
-Variations & Flavor Twists
1. Spicy Chicken Spinach Rigatoni
Add grilled or shredded chicken for protein.
Increase the red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
2. Mushroom & Spinach Rigatoni
Sauté mushrooms with garlic for added depth.
Substitute half & half for a lighter sauce.
3. Shrimp & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Add pan-seared shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking.
Garnish with fresh lemon zest for brightness.
4. Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream.
Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
-Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
❄️ Store Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water.
Freeze the Sauce – Make the sauce ahead and freeze for up to 2 months.
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta all work well with this sauce.
2. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Use more Parmesan cheese.
Simmer the sauce longer until it thickens.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and swap vegan Parmesan.
4. Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes! Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein.
-Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The garlicky cream sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach create a delicious balance of flavors.
Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!