Baked Ziti with Parmesan

Ingredients

• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated)
• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Marinara sauce (3 cups)
• Ziti pasta (1 pound)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.