Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) Rigatoni Pasta
• 1 jar (6.5 oz / 182g) of sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• ¾ cup (180ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp (1.25ml) salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped

• 4 tbsp (60g) butter
• 3 tbsp (22g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) milk
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1-2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Paste:
   In a blender, combine the sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil), garlic, water, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Blend until you achieve a chunky paste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
3. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
   While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth and bubbling for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine Sun-Dried Tomato Paste and Sauce:
   Stir the sun-dried tomato paste into the béchamel sauce, mixing well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of hot pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Toss Pasta with Sauce:
   Once the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
6. Serve:
   Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.  

Notes:

• If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with pesto sauce for a different twist.
• For added flavor, try adding sliced kalamata olives to the sauce along with the spinach.

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