Baked Ziti

I found this recipe on a link on Heather's blog. I modified the recipe somewhat. It originally called for cottage cheese that I replaced with ricotta since the grandkids didn't like the 'lasagna with dots'. I use ground turkey - you really can't tell! I also use the grated parmesan in the bag - not the can. The recipe can be doubled for a 9" x 13 " pan.

8 oz Ziti
1/2 lb extra lean ground turkey or beef (optional)
2 onions, chopped
1/2 Tbsp. garlic, diced
3 cups Spaghetti Sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2-1 Cup mozzarella cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 qt baking dish (9x9 pan) with non-stick cooking spray. Cook ziti according to package directions and set aside. In a medium sautee pan on medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add meat and italian seasoning and cook until cooked throughout. Add spaghetti sauce to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley & garlic powder. Mix thoroughly. Add Ziti to ricotta cheese mixture. Spread 1/3 of meat mixture on the bottom of the pan. Spoon Ziti mixture into the pan and add remaining sauce to the top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and add the cheese & cook another 4-5 minutes (with no foil), just long enough to melt the cheese. Enjoy!!