Baked Ziti

We haven't made this yet. It is on our menu for Friday, but it seems harmless enough so I am going to post it prior to making it.

6 Sprays cooking spray
1 pound uncooked pasta, rigatoni or penne
3/4 pounds part-skin ricotta cheese
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, or more to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 cup marinara sauce, divided
1/2 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup basil, cut into ribbons, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350. Coat bottom and sides of a lasagna pan with cooking spray.

Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cool water and drain.

While pasta is cooking, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, red pepper flakes, 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup marinara sauce.

To assemble ziti, spoon 1/2 cup sauce on bottom of prepared pan; top with half of pasta in an even layer. Evenly spread pasta with ricotta mixture; cover with half of remaining sauce. Top with remaining pasta and spoon remaining sauce over top; sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Tbsp Parmesan. Bake until cheese melt and is browned, about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow sit to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing in to 12 pieces.