Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 8–12 slices provolone cheese
• 8 oz freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 Tbsp white sugar

Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 5 cups marinara sauce
• 1–2 Tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion until softened (about 1-2 minutes). Incorporate the garlic and season with salt and pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and heat until it's hot and bubbly.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in rapidly simmering water (not boiling) for around 6 minutes until it's al dente, with a slight bite.
5. While the pasta cooks, create a mixture in a small bowl by combining ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, and sugar.
6. Grease a 9x13 pan with a tablespoon or two of olive oil.
7. Drain the cooked pasta and place half of it into the prepared pan, then add half of the sauce. Gently stir to combine.
8. Dot the pasta with dollops of ricotta cheese mixture, layer 4-6 slices of Provolone cheese on top, and add half of the mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and cheeses, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in sauce.
10. Sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top and bake uncovered at 375°F for 30 minutes.