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Creamy Spinach & Rigatoni Bake

Name: Creamy Spinach & Rigatoni Bake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni; 8 ounces sliced pancetta, chopped; 3/4 cup butter, cubed; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 3/4 teaspoon pepper; 5-1/4 cups 2% milk; 4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend; 1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped; 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

5 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min.

Makes

10 servings

Updated: Oct. 03, 2022

Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. My recipe gives it an Italian twist. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

Creamy Spinach & Rigatoni Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni
8 ounces sliced pancetta, chopped
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
5-1/4 cups 2% milk
4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Cook rigatoni according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings; wipe skillet clean.
In same pan, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese blend until melted.
Stir in artichokes, spinach and pancetta. Drain rigatoni; add to cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and bubbly, 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 643 calories, 35g fat (20g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 1438mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.

Creamy Spinach & Rigatoni Bake

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

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