Good Morning Lovelies, 

When I think of Italian food, I could go on and on about some of the most amazing dishes that I have ever eaten. From the seven course meal I had in the heart of the Sicilian mountains to the thick and chunky lasagne that the Italian cook at my local pub used to make, each and everyone of them was a joy to have on my plate. 

Therefore, I thought that I would end this Italian filled week on the blog with a delicious pasta dish that is super easy to make but truly delicious! Honestly, this Pasta al Forno with ricotta and spinach will have everyone begging for another plateful each and every time, so make sure you prepare a huge amount of it lovelies…

Ingredients

300g of Rigatoni or Penne Pasta

250g of Fresh Ricotta

200g of Fresh Spinach

One Clove of Garlic

400ml of Tomato Passata

125g of Diced Mozzarella

40g of Grated Parmesan

A Splash of Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper, To Taste

OPTIONAL: A Pinch of Nutmeg

Tools

A Saucepan

Two Frying Pans

Three Mixing Spoons

A Baking Dish

Method

1. Start by grabbing your saucepan and filling it with water and a little salt. Place over a high heat and allow for it to boil before adding in your pasta. Cook until two minutes before it is done. 
2. Drain your pasta and place to one side until needed. 
3. Next grab your frying pan and add in the olive oil, before placing the garlic within it. Fry gently over a medium heat until soft. 
4. Add in the passata, salt and pepper, stir and allow to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. 
5. Whilst the sauce is simmering, grab another pan and add in the spinach. Allow for it to wilt over a medium heat, removing any water afterwards.
6. When dry, mix the spinach with the ricotta, salt, pepper and nutmeg if using. Place to one side.
7. Remove the tomato sauce from the hob and add in the pasta. Stir together until well combined. 
8. Now, grab your baking dish and begin layering up the dish by adding some of the pasta first, before adding spoonfuls of the ricotta and spinach mixture. Top with the mozzarella and repeat once more until everything has been used up. When everything is covered, sprinkle the parmesan on top of the complete dish.
9. Once ready, place into the oven at 180°C and bake for 25 minutes before moving it into your grill for the last five minutes to create a golden top.
10. Remove from the grill when ready and tuck in! 

This dish works perfectly at any occasion and really packs a punch! It is also the most perfect meal to go alongside a refreshing drink and some garlic bread! It is a trip to Italy that can be had in the comfort of your own home and I hope you all enjoy it lovelies!

Joey X