Creating Pizza Baked Ziti is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to make your own mouthwatering dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Mix the cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti and marinara sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Layer the ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, add a layer of half the ziti mixture. Top it with half of the ricotta cheese mixture and half of the pepperoni slices. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining ziti mixture on top.
6. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top layer to create a cheesy crust.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into servings. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

By following these steps, you will create a delightful Pizza Baked Ziti that’s sure to impress everyone!