# What you'll need:
→ Noodles
01 - 3 instant ramen noodle bricks, seasoning packets discarded
→ Sauce
02 - 2 cups tomato pasta sauce
03 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Cheese
05 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
→ Garnish
08 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
09 - Cracked black pepper (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F.
02 - Combine tomato pasta sauce with dried Italian herbs and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, blend ricotta (or cottage cheese) with half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
04 - Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
05 - Spread one quarter of the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
06 - Place one ramen noodle brick over the sauce, breaking to fit as necessary.
07 - Spread one third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with one third of the shredded mozzarella.
08 - Repeat the layering with sauce, ramen, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella two more times, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
09 - Pour 1/2 cup water around the edges of the dish to assist in cooking the noodles.
10 - Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11 - Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden.
12 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and cracked black pepper if desired.