Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti or penne pasta until it’s al dente—firm to the bite (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Assemble the Ziti:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti on top of the sauce and spread evenly. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with more marinara sauce, spreading it evenly to cover. Repeat the layering process: pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake the Ziti:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, place the dish under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color. Serve it hot with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
Cook the Pasta Properly: Make sure the pasta is firm to the bite (al dente) when you boil it. This ensures the ziti doesn’t become mushy after baking.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the ziti the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Double the Recipe: Lazy Day Ziti freezes well! Prepare an extra batch and store it in the freezer for a convenient meal on another busy day.
Customize the Flavor: Add cooked ground meat like sausage or shredded chicken for more protein, or toss in some veggies like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to make it vegetarian.
Why This Recipe Works
Lazy Day Ziti combines everything we love about comfort food: cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. The layering of tender pasta with rich cheese and tangy marinara sauce creates a dish that’s hard to resist. It’s an easy-to-make meal that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or time, yet it delivers big on flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit your dietary preferences.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a keeper. Whether you stick to the classic or get creative with extra toppings and fillings, Lazy Day Ziti is sure to become a family favorite!
Final Thoughts
The best part about Lazy Day Ziti is how easy it is to make and how quickly it becomes a favorite in any home. It’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or for enjoying leftovers later in the week. Give it a try tonight, and see just how quickly it becomes a regular on your dinner table.
Enjoy your Lazy Day Ziti—an effortless, tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
pro gramerDecember 27, 2024All RecipesLeave a Com
