Italian Baked Pasta

 

1

package (16 oz) uncooked pasta (such as penne, ziti, rotini or rigatoni)

4

cups marinara sauce (homemade or purchased)

1/2

cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

1

container (15 oz) ricotta cheese

2

cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)

• 1 Cook pasta in generously salted water 3 minutes less than recommended on package. Drain.
• 2 Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
• 3 Pour 2 cups of the marinara sauce into dish. Add half of cooked pasta; toss well. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese in dollops over top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers ending with mozzarella cheese. Cover lightly with foil, making sure foil is not resting on cheese.
• 4 Bake 35 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until center is bubbly and thoroughly heated. Cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving.