# Ingredients:
→ Pasta & Sauce
01 - 12 oz dried ziti or penne pasta
02 - 24 oz jar 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)
# Directions:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
02 - In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add dried pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir to mix thoroughly and ensure pasta is fully submerged.
04 - Cover the pan with foil or an oven-safe lid and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
05 - Remove skillet from oven, stir gently, then evenly distribute dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
06 - Return the uncovered skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
07 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
