Baked Spaghetti With Ricotta Recipe 385

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 1/4 cups cooking water and then drain.
• Meanwhile, combine the olive oil and pancetta in a large wide pot over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta is golden brown and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon pepper, then add 3/4 cup of the reserved cooking water and the spaghetti, tossing until combined. Stir in the ricotta and 2 tablespoons pecorino, tossing constantly to evenly coat. (The ricotta will seem thick at first, but as it combines with the hot cooking water it will create a creamy sauce.) Add more cooking water a few tablespoons at a time if the sauce is too thick or dry. Season with salt.
• Divide the spaghetti among bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons pecorino and 2 teaspoons pepper.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare the spaghetti according to the directions on the box. Cook to al dente. Drain. Lightly spray nonstick cooking spray inside a 13x9-inch baking pan or 2 9-inch round pans. Toss the spaghetti together with the sauce and pour it into the pan. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, egg, and spices. Spread the cheese stuff over top of the spaghetti. Cover with foil. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Or, cook it at 375°F for 20 minutes and then turn the broiler on high for about 3 minutes. You'll end up with that pizza-like cheese on top. If using the broiler method, keep a close eye on the dish, and remove when the cheese is browned and bubbly. Allow to cool and rest for about 15 minutes, then serve.

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the spaghetti and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink, reserving 2 tablespoons of the cooking water.
• Stir the garlic, ricotta, and basil in a saucepan over medium-low until hot, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; stir in the spaghetti and reserved water from cooking the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to serve.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Heat oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Crumble sausage into skillet, using a spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook until starting to brown, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, fennel seeds and red-pepper flakes (if using), and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Stir in whole tomatoes and their juice, using a spoon to break them up. Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves and 2 teaspoons salt, and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
• Stir in pasta and 1 cup water and return to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to make sure pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat, pluck out the bay leaves, and fold in about a third of the mozzarella.
• Top pasta with remaining mozzarella and dollops of ricotta. Sprinkle with Parmesan, then transfer to oven. Bake until pasta is tender when poked with a fork, and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, 18 to 22 minutes. (If you'd like a more deeply browned topping, run the pan under the broiler for 1 or 2 minutes.) Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with basil, plenty of black pepper, and more red-pepper flakes, if you like.