In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons EVOO, three turns of the pan, over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of chopped garlic, three-quarters of the finely chopped onion and the carrot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano or marjoram, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds and the thyme and gently sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in the parsley, stir, then add the wine and reduce for a minute. Add the stock and tomatoes, then bring the sauce up to a bubble and reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer the sauce for 45 minutes.
After the sauce has been simmering for 30 minutes, pre-heat the oven to 375˚F.
Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water and cook the pasta for 5 minutes.
While the pasta water comes to a boil, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons EVOO in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and onion and sauté to soften, 5 minutes. Add the spinach, pulling it apart and separating it as you add it to pan. Stir to combine well and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Turn off the heat.
Drain the undercooked pasta and return it to the hot pot. Add the spinach mixture to the pot along with the ricotta and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Stir to combine and adjust the salt and pepper. Add the eggs and stir.
Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish. Fill the dish with the pasta mixture, then top with another thin layer of red sauce. Save the remaining sauce to pass at the table. Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly.
Serve the casserole directly from the casserole dish, passing the extra sauce and cheese at the table.
This is one of many “Yum-o!” recipes – it’s good and good for you. To find out more about Yum-o!, Rachael’s nonprofit organization, go to www.yum-o.org.