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- 12 oz rigatoni pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Creamy Fresh Spinach Parmesan Rigatoni

Dive into the delightful world of creamy pasta with my Creamy Fresh Spinach Parmesan Rigatoni! This recipe combines fresh spinach, rich cream, and savory Parmesan for a comforting dish that's easy to make. Perfect for family dinners, you'll find step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and variations to customize it to your taste. Click through to discover how to create this mouthwatering meal that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz rigatoni pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

      Add Spinach: Gradually add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring constantly until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

        Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet, mixing well to coat the pasta with the creamy spinach sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

            Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest. Toss to combine.

              Garnish: Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4