Easy Pasta Casserole

This is bachelor food at it's finest - four ingredients that all come pre-packaged. Impresses friends, significant others, even mothers-in-law. The ricotta gives this casserole the taste of lasagna, but is much easier to prepare. Add a bag of salad, a loaf of fresh Italian bread, and a bottle of red wine and dinner is nearly on the table.

• 1 1-lb. box of your favorite medium pasta shape, such as rigatoni, shells, or ziti
• 1 25-28 oz. jar of your favorite pasta sauce
• 1 15 oz. of ricotta cheese
• 1 8 oz bag of shredded mozzaralla cheese (optional)

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Cook pasta according to box directions (Hint: don't overcook, as the pasta will cook a second time in the casserole dish)
   
3. Drain pasta. Rinse pot used to cook pasta, then place over a low heat
4. Add pasta sauce to pot, tossing in cooked pasta
5. Pour half of pasta mixture into 13x9 inch baking dish
6. Spread ricotta cheese evenly over pasta mixture
7. Add remaining pasta mixture to baking dish
8. Top with desired amount of shredded mozzarella, if desired
9. Place baking dish in oven for 5-10 minutes, until top layer of cheese is melted and ricotta layer is bubbling
10. Remove from oven. Allow some time for cooling before serving.

This dish lends itself to experimentation such as adding minced garlic or crushed red pepper.