Name: Cheesy Layered Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 5 cups marinara sauce (about 46 ounces); 1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 lb dried ziti (or penne pasta); 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese; 8–12 provolone cheese deli slices; Large Skillet; Large Stockpot; Strainer

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F
Cook the onion and garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
Heat the sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente.
Prepare the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, half the Parmesan cheese, and a small pinch of sugar if desired.
Prepare the baking dish: Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Assemble the first layer: Drain the pasta and add half into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the sauce over the pasta and stir gently to coat. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the top, then layer with 4 to 6 slices of provolone and half of the mozzarella.
Assemble the second layer: In a large bowl or pasta pot, toss the remaining pasta with the remaining sauce. Spoon it over the first cheese layer, then top with the remaining ricotta mixture, provolone, and mozzarella. Make sure any exposed pasta is covered with sauce.
Bake: Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For a more golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, if desired.

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Ingredients

Instructions