Creamy Zucchini & Spinach Rigatoni

Creamy Zucchini & Spinach Rigatoni recipe

photo by:kraft

Get 'em to say "Yes!" to zucchini—and spinach—with this ooey-gooey, delectable pasta dish. Just another day in the life of a rock-star mom.

time

prep:

35 min

total:

45 min

servings

total:

6 servings, 1-1/3 cups each

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What You Need

oz. (1/2 of 16-oz. pkg.) rigatoni pasta, uncooked

tsp. oil

zucchini, sliced

1/2

lb. sliced fresh mushrooms

cloves garlic, minced

Tbsp. flour

1/4

tsp. each dried basil leaves, oregano leaves and crushed red pepper

cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed

pkg. (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves

1/4

cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

1-1/2

cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided

Make It

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

COOK pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt.

MEANWHILE, heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms and garlic; cook and stir 3 to 4 min. or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Add flour and seasonings; cook and stir 1 min. Stir in broth; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until thickened. Add Neufchatel; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until melted.

DRAIN pasta; return to pan. Add zucchini mixture, spinach, Parmesan and 1/2 cup mozzarella; mix lightly. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining mozzarella.

BAKE 10 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Serving Suggestion

Serve with fresh fruit and a side salad to round out the meal.

Preparing Perfect Pasta

Follow the package directions to ensure that enough water is used for cooking the pasta. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente (tender but still a little firm to the bite), stirring frequently. To prevent pasta from sticking, add it slowly to plenty of boiling water and stir frequently while cooking. Adding oil to the cooking water is not recommended because some sauces may not cling to pasta coated with oil.

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a_ryzek

posted:4/28/2013

Really, really yummy. I've been trying to eat more vegetarian dishes, and this is a great one. My husband and daughter both liked it and said this should be a repeat meal.

cindy7688

posted:4/27/2013

Excellent dish! I'm always on the look out for vegetarian meals for my daughter. We both really enjoyed this one. The only thing I changed was, I used vegetable broth instead of chicken. We will be making this again! :)

a cook

posted:4/16/2013

I made this but didn't have any zucchini so I substituted asparagus. The sauce was delectable. My husband loved it and he is not big on pasta. I will definitely make this again. The sauce can be paired with other offerings, just need to be creative it is sooo tasty.

a cook

posted:4/5/2013

Oh boy, this is good! I added a half chopped onion and of course more mozzarella (you can never have enough cheese)and about 1/2 c. pasta water for a bit more sauce. Wonderful, wonderful.

mandymoon83

posted:3/4/2013

Very tasty! My husband said tasted like from an Italian restaurant. We make this dish quite often, as it's one of the only ways I can get my toddler to eat his spinach :)

NancyCarver

posted:1/1/2013

Oh my gosh! this is one of the best recipes, I have ever made. It is completely vegetarian, which pleased my husband and I because we are vegetarian. It's DELICIOUS, I mean, DELICIOUS!!!!! It's easy to make, creamy, so healthy, and no guilt after eating, it's mainly vegetables! We are having leftovers tomorrow, even though we wanted to eat all of it today! :) Yes, we will have this over and over!!!! Thanks Kraft, good choice!

roehrig13

posted:12/11/2012

really good and a great way to use all that summer zucchini!

cdjrh

posted:11/28/2012

Excellent! I added 2 diced boneless chicken breast to the skillet before I cooked the zucchini and added a little salt. I will definitely make it again.

cootielady

posted:11/27/2012

I doubled the recipe last night for "Meatless Monday". This was rich and creamy. Everyone enjoyed the recipe and I would definetly make it again.

txwindchime

posted:11/1/2012

This was great!! Served it with Johnsonville Itallian sausage.