Add fresh vegetables to a classic baked pasta.
When making a pasta dish, one simple trick will take the dish from good to great.
Quality ingredients are a must; always choose the best cheese, sausages, and vegetables available.
Credit:Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke
The key to making great tasting pasta, however, is in the cooking water.
Add about 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to a large stockpot of water before boiling.
Salted water flavors the pasta internally as it absorbs liquid and swells.
When the pasta is cooked, reserve a couple of cups of cooking water before draining the pasta.
Drain and cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
While pasta cooks, preheat broiler with oven rack 6 inches from heat.
Spread in a single layer; broil until charred and tender, about 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine pasta, cooked vegetables, and marinara sauce in a large bowl; gently stir to combine.
Spoon half of pasta mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Dollop 1 cup of ricotta mixture evenly on pasta mixture.
Repeat with remaining pasta mixture and ricotta mixture.
Top evenly with mozzarella.
Bake at 350F until lightly browned and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
