Creating Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese is a breeze if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti or penne pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

1. Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

1. Combine with Marinara: In another bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until the pasta is adequately coated.

1. Layer Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Then, spread the cheese mixture evenly on top. Finally, layer the remaining pasta on top of the cheese mixture.

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the final layer of pasta.

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

1. Cool Down: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle.

1. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil to add a pop of color and flavor before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese effortlessly and deliciously.