Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an essential step because a hot oven ensures your ziti cooks evenly and gives you that perfect melt on the cheese later on.

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add in the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente—typically about 8-10 minutes. You want your pasta to remain slightly firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

While your pasta cooks, mix the ricotta, beaten egg, garlic powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella in a large bowl. This combination will create a creamy filling with amazing flavor. Stir until fully combined.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir until every piece of ziti is well-coated. This step is crucial, as it infuses the pasta with flavor right from the start.

In a baking dish (around 9x13 inches), spread half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top and spread it gently. Sprinkle some Parmesan on top for added flavor and texture. Repeat with the remaining ziti and ricotta. Top everything with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Cover the baking dish with foil (shiny side down to reflect the heat) and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a hint of golden brown on top.

Once your ziti is out of the oven, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This rest allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.