Add A Cup Of Cheese Recipe

Preheat and cook pasta

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry pasta and cook until just shy of al dente (follow package time minus 1–2 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the tomato sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Combine spinach (optional)

If using spinach, stir it into the simmering sauce and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper if needed.

Mix cheeses with pasta

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, drained pasta with the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, and the 1 cup shredded mozzarella (the 'cup of cheese'). Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to help loosen the mixture if it seems dry. Pour in 2 cups of the tomato sauce (reserve some sauce for topping) and gently fold everything until the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in torn fresh basil if using.

Assemble and bake

Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish. Spoon remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup parmesan and a light dusting of the reserved mozzarella if you like extra browning (optional). Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.

Rest and serve

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly. Serve hot, garnished with extra torn basil and a grind of black pepper. Pass extra grated parmesan at the table.