Prepare the Ziti Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

2. Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Assemble the Baked Ziti:

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
5. Layer the Pasta and Sauce: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Spread another cup of marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining ziti pasta and cheese mixture to the dish. Top with the remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake the Ziti: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

8. Garnish: After removing the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
9. Serve: Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.