When life is breaking apart bit by bit and disappointment and uncertainty seem to be looming despite all hope and positivity, comfort food is a good friend.  Having a simple recipe to enjoy can bring smiles and memories.

Tonight, I made this for my family.  My 10 year old proclaimed “You know, while everything seems to be going down, our meals here sure are going up!”  

If you want a simple dinner your whole family will appreciate, try this.  It can be made any time during the day or even the day before.  Simply pop it in the oven 30 minutes before you are ready to eat.

Ingredients:

1 lb ziti cooked (or rotini or penne)

1 25 oz jar pasta sauce

16 oz whole milk ricotta

2 1/4 C mozzarella – shredded

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 C freshly grated parmesan cheese

Step 1:  Preheat oven to 350.

Step 2:  In a large bowl, mix together the pasta and pasta sauce.

Step 3:  In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, basil, salt and pepper.

Step 4:  In a 13×9 baking dish, layer half the pasta in the baking dish.

Step 5:  Spread ricotta mixture over the first layer of pasta.

Step 6:  Layer the remaining pasta over the ricotta layer.

Step 7:  Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 1/4 cups of mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese.

Step 8:  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 9:  Remove foil and continue baking for 5 more minutes.

Enjoy!!!

Did you try this recipe?  Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Do you need other easy, inexpensive comfort food ideas?  Try this Simple No Bean Chili recipe.