Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne and cook until tender, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside to let cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, combine ricotta cheese, basil, 1 1/2 cups of the pasta sauce and pepper in a large bowl. Transfer pasta to bowl with cheese mixture and toss gently to coat.

Step 4

Spread 1/2 cup of the remaining pasta sauce over the bottom of a 7x11-inch baking dish. Spoon pasta mixture into dish and spread out evenly.

Step 5

Drizzle remaining sauce over the top, sprinkle with mozarella and bake until golden brown and hot throughout, about 30 minutes.