1. Prepare the pasta dough: On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and gently whisk with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges until a rough dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Roll out the pasta dough: Divide the dough into four portions. Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll each portion into thin sheets about 1/16 inch thick. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble the stuffed pasta: Place teaspoons of filling about 1 inch apart on one pasta sheet. Lightly brush around the filling with water to help seal. Carefully place a second sheet over the first and press down around each mound to seal, ensuring no air pockets remain. Cut between the mounds to form individual parcels. Crimp edges with a fork if desired.
6. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the stuffed pasta into the boiling water. Cook until they float to the surface plus one additional minute, about 3-4 minutes total. Remove with a slotted spoon.
7. Serve: Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan. Plate the pasta and spoon sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

One little tip I learned from my mother: don’t rush kneading the dough—it’s the foundation of perfect pasta. Also, resting the dough is key to making it easier to roll out and less prone to tearing, a trick I share with my daughters every Christmas morning.