A delicious family favorite that combines layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a delightful melange of cheese and savory toppings.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 ounces Rotini or penne pasta
24 ounces Marinara sauce
15 ounces Ricotta cheese
2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Pepperoni slices
1 cup Mixed vegetables (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices. If using vegetables, add them here.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
