Baked Ziti with Ricotta Cheese

Ingredients

• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Marinara sauce (3 cups)
• Ricotta cheese (2 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 bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
5. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
6. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
9. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with fresh basil.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!