Simi's Pasta Al Forno

One of Simi's favorite dishes is Pasta Al Forno from Nick's, a little Italian place by home. She declared this recipe even better. It is gooey with the mozzarella and provolone and healthy with the spinach. This like lasagne or baked ziti can be put together ahead of time and as with most pasta dishes the leftovers are even better. This freezes well in individual portions for a quick meal the kids can "make" for themselves.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 1 9x13 pan

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
• 26  ounces  pasta sauce, Hunt's Garlic & Herb
• 1⁄2 cup  Chardonnay wine
• 13 3⁄4 ounces canned artichoke hearts, quartered
• 4  ounces ham, sliced into strips
• 1  boneless chicken breast, cut in 1 inch pieces
• 1  lb farfalle pasta
• 2  cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese
• 4  ounces provolone cheese, shredded
• 1  cup ricotta cheese
• 2  tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
•  italian seasoning
•  basil, fresh chopped
•  sea salt
•  pepper
•  sugar (optional)
• 2  cups spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)

Directions

1. Heat oil in large pan add chicken and brown. Add garlic and onions and cook until translucent. Add ham and heat through for 1 or 2 minutes.
2. Gently mix in artichokes and place the mixture into a bowl.
3. Pour pasta sauce into pan and add Italian seasoning, wine, salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. While sauce is simmering cook pasta.
4. Spray 9x13 pan and heat oven to 375.
5. Place spinach in colander and drain pasta. Remove sauce from heat and stir in ricotta,parsley, and basil. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Gently mix sauce with chicken and pasta.
6. Place half of the pasta mixture in 9x13 pan and then sprinkle on half the Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese.
7. Bake for 30 - 45 minutes or until everything is bubbly and cheese is lightly browned.