Zavioli with Spinach and Ricotta

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2 . Stage

Make filling: Mix together ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.

3 . Stage

Make pesto: Grind together basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and garlic into a chunky paste using a mortar and pestle. Add pine nuts to pesto; crush until nuts are coarsely ground. Set aside.

4 . Stage

Slice zucchini lengthwise into 18 strips using a mandoline. Lay 2 zucchini strips in the shape of a cross on a work surface. Drop a spoonful of filling in the middle of the cross. Top with a dollop of pesto. Fold ends into the center to create a parcel, starting from the bottom end and moving clockwise. Secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining zucchini strips, filling, and pesto.

5 . Stage

Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce in the bottom of a shallow baking dish. Arrange zucchini parcels on top, about 1/2-inch apart. Top each parcel with remaining pasta sauce. Sprinkle with Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until sauce and zucchini begin to brown, about 20 minutes.