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Serves 6-8

1 box ziti pasta

Kosher salt

Freshly cracked black pepper

1 cup reserved pasta water

1 jar Silver Palate Marinara Sauce

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes

1 cup chopped basil, plus some for garnish

½ cup parmesan cheese, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season liberally with salt. Add the ziti to the pot and cook for half of the full cook time on the box. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and strain the pasta. Rinse the pasta under cold water and let drain in the colander. 

In a large bowl, pour in ¾ of the jar of sauce, the mozzarella, basil, and half of the parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and season with a little more salt and black pepper. Add in the pasta and toss to combine with a little of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems thick or dry.

Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with half of the olive oil. Add in the pasta mixture and top with the remaining sauce and parmesan cheese. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and cover with aluminum foil.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minute covered and then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown around the edges and bubby.

Let the Ziti sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.