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baked rigatoni

Baked Rigatoni Pasta with Spinach and Meatballs

The perfect meal for weeknight dinner, holiday gatherings and more!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

Meatball

  • ¾ pound lean ground beef
  • ½ small yellow onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for sprinkling
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Pinch of fresh black pepper

Pasta

  • 16 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 heaping cup spinach chopped
  • 1 25-ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • To prepare the meatballs, preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Mix with a fork until combined. Using a spoon or scoop, roll meat into small 1-inch balls. Repeat with remaining meat and arrange on baking sheet.
  • Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until meatballs are almost cooked through.
  • When the meatballs are cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions.
  • After the meatballs and pasta are done cooking, layer the pasta and meatballs in a large rectangular baking dish (about 9 inches x 13 inches). Sprinkle with chopped spinach.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together marinara sauce and heavy cream. Pour sauce over pasta with spinach and meatballs. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese, as desired. Bake in the oven until bubbly and heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with basil, as desired. Serve immediately.
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