Baked Macaroni with Ricotta, Spinach, and Mint

Ingredients

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease two 8-inch square baking dishes or one 9 x 13-inch dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (covered to speed things up). Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than directed on the package.

3. While the pasta is cooking, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, mint, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.

4. When the timer rings, add the entire bag of spinach to the pot—it will wilt quickly—and cook for 1 minute more. (The pasta should be slightly undercooked.) Drain well, then return pasta and spinach to the pot.

5. Add the entire jar of sauce to the spinach and pasta and stir to combine.

6. If using two 8-inch baking dishes, spread about one quarter of the pasta mixture on the bottom of each prepared dish (use one half of the pasta mixture if using one 9 x 13-inch dish). Spoon all of the ricotta mixture on top of the pasta layer (it will be too stiff to spread). It will remain a separate layer, even after cooking. Top with remaining pasta mixture.

7. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top, and bake until the mozzarella is melted and goldenbrown, 20 to 25 minutes.

MAKE BABY FOOD: Everything in here is safe for baby, either pureed or as finger food.