Have you ever been traveling and eaten something at a restaurant that made a lasting impression? Then, after returning from your trip, you tried to duplicate the dish only to be disappointed? Whenever that happens to me, for some reason, there always seems to be something missing and no matter how many different ways I try to make it myself, using countless recipes, the results are always the same. The dish just never measures up to that special taste I remember.
I’m beginning to think that, in time, our taste buds change and what we remember as a certain flavor is only in our imaginations. This is especially true of Italian dishes. It’s surprising how you can alter the taste of Italian food by increasing or decreasing certain spices or cheeses in the recipe.
If you’re planning a family dinner for Father’s Day, here is a simple Italian recipe that will surely make your special guy happy. On the plus side, with a recipe in hand, you can duplicate it as many times as you like. Just add a fresh salad and homemade breadsticks with this pasta and Dad’s day will be as special as he is!
DAD’S FAVORITE PASTA
8 ounces cooked ziti noodles
8 ounces spiced pork sausage
1/2 of a medium sweet onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (14.5-15-ounce) can of Italian style diced tomatoes, undrained
6 tablespoons pesto
1/2 of a (15-ounce) carton of ricotta cheese
1/2 of a (10-ounce package) of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (2-cup) package of shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more to sprinkle over top before baking
In a large saucepan, brown sausage on medium-high heat. When sausage is approximately half cooked, add onions and garlic and finish cooking until no pink meat remains. Season with salt and pepper and then add tomatoes and pesto and stir well. Let mixture simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
With heat remaining on low, add spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella (reserving remaining cup for topping) and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix till well blended. Turn off heat.
In a large bowl, combine sausage mixture with cooked ziti. Make sure it well blended and all ziti noodles are coated. Pour noodles and sausage mixture into a deep 8-by-8-inch baking pan or larger, shallower baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over all.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature.
Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
