Lazy Day Ziti is a super simple, comforting, and hearty pasta dish that doesn’t require too much effort. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a warm, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a quick recipe for you:
Lazy Day Ziti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole-milk ricotta works best)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Combine with Sauce: In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), add a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, add the cooked ziti and toss it gently with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently mix everything together.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti. If you like extra cheesy, feel free to add more mozzarella!
- Bake: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Optional Add-ins:
- Ground beef, turkey, or sausage: Brown the meat before mixing it with the marinara sauce for extra protein.
- Vegetables: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini and mix them into the pasta before baking for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Ricotta Swap: You can also swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter version.
Enjoy your cozy and comforting Lazy Day Ziti! Perfect for a no-fuss weeknight dinner.
