Three Cheese Pasta Bake

Is there anything better than homemade macaroni and cheese? It has to be the ultimate cold weather, go-to comfort food. It provides us with a sense of nostalgia and self-satisfaction. Comfort food is not designed to be especially healthy or politically correct, if a food CAN be politically correct, but it supplies us with a welcomed vacation from the stresses of the outside world. A mental vacation that takes us to a place where we can remember our love of food and growing up.  Comfort foods are essential for anyone wanting a "little taste of home". This delicious mac-n-cheese dish is my version of the traditional tried and true recipe. It is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight family dinner.

THREE CHEESE PASTA BAKE

This is NOT yo mama's macaroni and cheese!

SERVES 8 - 10 as a side

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (16-ounce) package ziti or rigatoni
• 2 (10-ounce) containers refrigerated Alfredo sauce, I use Buitoni* 
• 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream 
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

     WHAT TO DO

• Prepare ziti according to package directions; drain and return to pot.
• Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream; toss with ziti until evenly coated. Spoon half of mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
• Stir together ricotta cheese and next 3 ingredients; spread evenly over pasta mixture in baking dish. Spoon remaining pasta mixture evenly over ricotta cheese layer; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Wonderful paired with grilled chicken and a green salad! ENJOY!!
*I used Buitoni alfredo sauce.