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Healthy Baked Pesto Rigatoni Recipe

Healthy Baked Pesto Rigatoni Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in a delicious and wholesome meal with this Healthy Baked Pesto Rigatoni recipe. Packed with whole wheat rigatoni, vibrant veggies, flavorful pesto, and a cheesy finish, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces whole wheat rigatoni
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (optional)

Pesto Mixture:

  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook rigatoni until al dente, then mix with pesto, tomatoes, spinach, cheeses, and chicken if using. Season and transfer to a baking dish.
  2. Bake: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake covered, then uncovered, until cheese is bubbly.
  3. Rest and Serve: Let it rest, garnish with basil, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit chicken. Consider adding sautéed zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg