Lazy Day Ziti is the perfect comfort food for when you want a delicious baked pasta dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is simple, requires minimal effort, and delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness you’re craving.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- For the Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti (or penne, rigatoni, etc.)
- Salt (for boiling water)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 pound cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or sautéed veggies
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add cooked meat or veggies if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sauce (reserve 1/2 cup for topping), and ricotta cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, spread the reserved sauce, and sprinkle with the Parmesan and remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
This recipe is super customizable and perfect for a lazy day when you want a hearty, cheesy meal without a lot of fuss!
