Pasta Florentine

Last night I made a really good pasta dish called Pasta Florentine.  It is kind of like a lasagna casserole.  It is very easy and makes a lot for a little.  It would be great for a larger family and is easy to increase! I used my gluten-free pasta which is made from quinoa and corn (which is way healthier than regular pasta anyway) and so I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. 

 But it was yummy!  Wes and I both loved it!  Enjoy!

Pasta Florentine

What You Will Need:

1 lb extra lean ground beef

1 jar of favorite spaghetti sauce

1 box pasta noodles (I used quinoa sprials)

1 box frozen spinach (thawed)

15 oz of ricotta cheese (I will use the bigger container next time to make it extra cheesy)

4 oz. shredded mozzarella

1 T shredded Parmesan

1/4 t minced garlic

1/4 t salt

1 egg

** I also added some fresh cracked black pepper

 Directions:

1)  Cook pasta according to instructions on box

2)  While pasta is cooking, brown ground beef in pan.  Add spaghetti sauce and let simmer.

3)  Drain noodles and let cool.  

4)  Spray a square baking dish with cooking spray.  Layer cooled noodles on bottom of pan.

5)  Combine spinach, all cheeses, egg, garlic, salt and pepper in bowl.  Spread evenly over noodles.

6)  Cover with spaghetti sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan (optional but recommended) 

7)  Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.