# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Sauce
01 - 12 ounces dried ziti or penne pasta
02 - 24 ounces marinara sauce
03 - 2 cups water
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
07 - ½ teaspoon 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 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
# Method:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat fully before baking.
02 - In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
03 - Add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, dried Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to ensure pasta is fully submerged in liquid.
04 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Cover the skillet with foil or a lid, then transfer to the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
05 - Remove the skillet from the oven and gently stir. Evenly dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
06 - Return the skillet to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
07 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
