# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
→ Sauce
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1 tsp dried basil
09 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 1 tsp sugar
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese Mixture
12 - 15 oz ricotta cheese
13 - 1 large egg
14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
→ Assembly
16 - 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
17 - Additional grated Parmesan, for topping
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
05 - Combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley in a mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Transfer drained pasta to a large bowl. Toss with half of the prepared tomato sauce until evenly coated.
07 - Spread half the sauced pasta across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of half the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread gently. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese.
08 - Repeat layering with remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Pour remaining tomato sauce over the top. Finish with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
11 - Let baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows layers to set for cleaner portions.
