Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is comprised of three components; sauce, filling (much like a stuffed shell or ravioli filling) and cooked pasta. These are assembled after being prepared, then baked before serving. The final result is reminiscent of lasagna, but much easier and faster to prepare.

1 lb ziti pasta, cooked al dente	1/2 C grated Parmesan +2-3 (for sprinkling)
olive oil, to drizzle on top before baking	1 jar favorite sauce (e.g. Prego Traditional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella	1/2 lb full milk Ricotta

Stir 3 cheeses together ingredients for Ricotta filling mixture.

Cook ziti according to directions on package, watching carefully (do not overcook). Drain pasta and return to pan.

Add sauce to ziti in pan, continuing to stir and adding additional sauce as needed to coat well.

Butter the bottom of an oven-proof casserole (or a lasagne dish) and spread cooked ziti in buttered casserole.

Spread a layer of the ziti in the bottom of the casserole dish, then cover with a layer of the Ricotta filling. Stir the rest of the filling in with the remaining pasta, stirring very lightly, leaving chunks here and there.

Spread the pasta mixture in the casserole dish and top with sauce, enough to cover. Sprinkle with 3-4 tablespoons Parmesan or Romano cheese. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil.

Bake in a preheated 400y (10-15 minutes).