SPINACH-AND-HERB PASTATTA

By Nana_CAM

Pastatta: a comforting, hearty casserole that's a cross between baked pasta and frittata.

Ingredients

• 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 (16 oz.) package mezze penne pasta
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. butter
• 3 large shallots, sliced
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (4 oz.) freshly shredded Asiago cheese, divided
• 10 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1 Tbsp finely chopped chives
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Drain spinach well, pressing between paper towels.

2. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

3. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add shallots, and saute' 5 minutes or until golden brown. Whisk in flour until smooth; cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in half-and half; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Whisk in ricotta and 1/2 cup Asiago cheese until smooth. Remove from heat.

4. Whisk eggs in a bowl until frothy. Fold in shallot mixture, spinach, parsley, and next 3 ingredients. Stir in cooked pasta.

5. Sprinkle 1/4 cup Asiago cheese on inside rim of a lightly greased 9-inch springform pan. Pour pasta mixture into pan.

6. Bake at 325 degrees F for 55 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove sides of pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Asiago cheese.