Ricotta, Spinach & Sausage Pasta

Submitted by clubfoody

"Packed with flavor, this delicious comfort food is perfect for weeknights! VIDEO https://youtu.be/85Ia-wDBocM"

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 5 ounces frozen spinach, thawed, drained and excess liquid squeezed out
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1⁄2 tablespoon italian seasoning
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 1 1⁄2 cups grana padano, grated and divided
• 1⁄2 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1⁄2 cup white onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup red pepper, chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, pressed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1 lb rigatoni pasta, cooked
• 2 3⁄4 cups marinara sauce

directions

1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions.
2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
3. In a bowl, add spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, freshly ground black pepper and ½ cup Grana Padano; stir until combined and set aside.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, add sausage and cook half way, breaking the meat into small pieces. Add onions and sauté for 1 minute. Add red peppers and sauté for 2 minutes.
5. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for only 30 seconds.
6. Remove from the heat and add the ingredients to the ricotta mixture along with cooked rigatoni; mixed until the noodles are coated.
7. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to blend.
8. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 baking dish and level it out with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle on the remaining cup of Grana Padano cheese and cover with foil.
9. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
10. When time is up, remove the foil and cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
11. Remove from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.