Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of Mortaràt pasta
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound of fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Mortaràt pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked Mortaràt pasta to the skillet with the spinach and toss to combine.
7. Transfer the pasta and spinach mixture to a baking dish.
8. Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture over the top of the pasta.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 500mg
Fiber: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mortaràt pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or goat cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or sausage to the pasta for a heartier meal.
- Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the dish.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the pasta and spinach mixture to prevent the pasta from breaking.
- Let the Mortaràt pasta cool slightly before adding it to the skillet to prevent the spinach from wilting too quickly.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to the skillet before adding the ricotta cheese mixture.
- If the pasta seems too watery, let it cook for a few more minutes to evaporate some of the liquid.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the Mortaràt pasta and spinach to the recommended temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Mortaràt pasta is a traditional Italian pasta shape that originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of sweetness from the onions.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine for a cozy and comforting meal.
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Region: Italian