Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 pound of fresh spinach
- 1 pound of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking spinach and garlic
- Mixing bowl for combining ricotta and Parmesan cheese
- Baking dish for assembling and baking the pasta
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
3. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Drain pasta and add it to the mixing bowl with the cheese mixture. Toss to combine.
7. In a baking dish, layer the pasta mixture and spinach mixture, alternating until all ingredients are used up. Finish with a layer of spinach on top.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 450mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach.
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or goat cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or sausage to the pasta mixture for a heartier meal.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use different types of pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle, for a different texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the dish.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the pasta mixture if it seems too dry.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of pasta cooking water or a drizzle of olive oil.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and spinach thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- This dish is a classic Italian pasta dish that has been enjoyed for generations.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of garlic and spinach.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish or side dish.
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Region: Italian