# Components:
→ Pasta & Sauce
01 - 12 oz dried ziti or penne pasta
02 - 24 oz jar marinara sauce
03 - 2 cups water
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
07 - ½ tsp 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 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
# Method:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add dried pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is fully submerged.
04 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, cover with foil or an oven-safe lid, then transfer to the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
05 - Remove skillet from oven and gently stir. Spoon dollops of ricotta onto the pasta, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
06 - Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
07 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and serving.
