Baking Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Makes: about 6 servings

This easy-to-make pasta takes just minutes to prepare and tastes delicious.

Ingredients

1 cup(500 g)penne, rotini, shells or other medium-sized pasta shape
3 cups(750 mL)spaghetti sauce, store-bought or homemade
1 cup(250 mL)ricotta cheese
1/2 cup(125 mL)grated Parmesan
1/4 cup(50 mL)fresh basil, chopped
11/2 cups(375 mL)shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Grease one 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) rectangular baking dish or two 8 in (20 cm) square baking dishes.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but not mushy. Drain well, then rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together half of the spaghetti sauce (1½ cups/375 mL), the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and basil. Add the drained pasta and mix well. Spread some of the remaining spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish (or dishes). Cover with the pasta mixture, then spoon the remaining spaghetti sauce overtop. Sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella cheese and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
First published in Today's Parent's 01/2008 issue. © Rogers Media Publishing Inc.