Baked Ziti

INGREDIENTS    

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ t. kosher salt
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pasta Sauce (see Ari's Sauce)
• 1 lb. penne/ziti pasta  

DIRECTIONS    

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, make the sauce.
2. Add the pasta and cook until just tender. While the pasta is cooking, make the ricotta filling.
3. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander or strainer.
4. Return the pasta to the now-empty pot. Add half of the sauce (about 3 cups) and stir until the pasta is well-coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Add ricotta and egg in a separate bowl and spread half over the pasta. Evenly sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Top with the remaining pasta and layer again.
6. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the surface evenly with the remaining mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
7. Bake at 375°F uncovered until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is completely melted and browned in spots, about 30 minutes.

Recipe Image: To Simply Inspire