I appreciate a good lasagne but hate the work and time involved — precooking the noodles, layering the dish, and baking it for an hour. So I came up with this uncomplicated spaghetti recipe which combines all the elements of a good lasagne without the trouble.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　Salt

　　2 cups tomato or spaghetti sauce, homemade or comercially prepared

　　3/4 to 1 pound spaghetti, spaghettini, perciatelli, or bucatini

　　1/4 cup olive oil

　　1 pound (1 cup) ricotta cheese (whole or part-skim)

　　1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

　　Freshly ground black pepper

　　

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Heat the tomato sauce in a small saucepan. (Or do this at the last minute in a microwave for 1 minute.)

　　

Step 2

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Meanwhile, combine the olive oil, ricotta, and Parmesan in a small mixing bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.

　　

Step 4

When the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot, off the heat. Add the spaghetti sauce and toss well.

　　

Step 5

Ladle the pasta and sauce into deep bowls, and top each portion with a dollop of the ricotta mixture.