Ziti pasta baked with marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a single dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Sauce
01 - 12 ounces dried ziti or penne pasta
02 - 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce
03 - 2 cups water
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
07 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Cheeses
09 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
10 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Fresh
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
# Directions:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or casserole over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add dried pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is fully submerged.
04 - Bring mixture to a simmer, cover with aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid, then transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
05 - Remove from oven and gently stir. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
06 - Return to oven uncovered and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
07 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
