Categories: Casseroles, Dinner, Pasta

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
• 1 large OR 2 small to medium onions, finely chopped, divided
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped or grated
• Salt and Pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano OR marjoram (half a palmful)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (1/3 palmful)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed by pressing under flat of your knife
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (5-6 sprigs)
• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white OR red wine
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cans Italian crushed tomatoes (28 oz. each)
• 1 pound medium OR large shell pasta (NOT extra large stuffing shells)
• 2 boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and wrung dry in a paper towel
• Freshly grated nutmeg (about 1/4 teaspoon)
• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus some to pas at the table
• 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of evoo, 3 turns of the pan, over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of chopped garlic, 3/4 of the finely chopped onion and the carrot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano or marjoram, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds and the thyme and gently saute for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in the parsley, stir, then add the wine and reduce for a minute. Add the stock and tomatoes, bring sauce up to a bubble and reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer the sauce for 45 minutes.

2. ter the sauce has been simmering for 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 375.

3. Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water and cook the pasta for 5 minutes.

4. While the pasta water comes to a boil, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons evoo in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and onion and saute to soften, 5 minutes. Add the spinach, pulling it apart and separating it as you add it to the pan. Stir to combine well and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Turn off the heat.

5. Drain the undercooked pasta and return it to the hot pot. Add the spinach mixture to the pot along with the ricotta and grated parmesan. Stir to combine and adjust the salt and pepper. Add the eggs and stir. Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish. Fill the dish with pasta, then top with another thin layer of red sauce. Save the remaining sauce to pass at the table. Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly.

6. Serve the casserole directly from the casserole dish, passing the extra cheese and sauce at the table.

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