Baked Ziti

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. 2
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. 3
   In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
4. 4
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, then stir garlic into the ricotta mixture.
5. 5
   Toss cooked pasta and half of the marinara sauce with the ricotta mixture until pasta is well coated.
6. 6
   Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the pasta mixture, top with half the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella on top.
7. 7
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. 8
   Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.