Creamy Spinach Gratin Pasta Recipe
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni | 400g |
| Fresh Spinach | 1kg |
| Gorgonzola Cheese | 150g |
| Mascarpone Cheese | 220g |
| Heavy Cream (Fresh Liquid Cream) | 200g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (Grated) | 280g |
| Fresh Thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20g |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
To make this delicious and indulgent Creamy Spinach Gratin Pasta, begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook the rigatoni pasta.
While waiting for the water to boil, rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water. Once cleaned, dry it gently using a kitchen towel or a salad spinner. Place the spinach in another pot, cover it with a lid, and cook over low heat until it starts to wilt down.
As the spinach softens, add the mascarpone cheese to the pot, stirring it gently to combine. After a minute, introduce about half of the grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP to the mixture, stirring until everything is well incorporated. Once the spinach is wilted and well mixed with the cheeses, remove the pot from the heat.
Next, transfer the spinach mixture into a tall, narrow container, such as a blender jar, and season with salt. Add a ladleful of the boiling pasta water to help smooth out the mixture when blending. Use a hand blender to puree everything until you achieve a creamy and smooth texture.
Once your water is boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions. As the pasta is cooking, prepare the oven by preheating it to 180°C (350°F) for the final baking step.
In a 22cm square baking dish, begin by layering the pasta. Place a first layer of rigatoni at the bottom of the dish, and sprinkle it with freshly ground black pepper. Follow this with a generous layer of the creamy spinach mixture, making sure to evenly cover the pasta. Sprinkle a portion of the grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP on top. Continue layering the pasta, spinach mixture, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese until you run out of ingredients, finishing with one final layer of rigatoni.
For the finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over the top and place the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once your Creamy Spinach Gratin Pasta is beautifully golden on top, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This comforting and rich dish is the perfect balance of creamy spinach, tangy cheeses, and the satisfying bite of pasta, making it a hit for any dinner table.
Enjoy this decadent Spinach Gratin Pasta recipe with your family or guests. The layers of flavor and the perfect balance of ingredients create a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
