At home, we named it « Lazy Day Ziti » because it’s great for busy days when you crave a tasty, filling meal without cooking for a long time. This meal is easy to make with basic ingredients and everyone in the family will enjoy its cheesy and saucy flavor. What’s the best thing? No one will be able to guess how easy it is!
Reasons to Enjoy This Recipe
Little preparation required: Simply stack, bake, and savor.
Audience favorite: Great for family gatherings, parties, or preparing meals in advance.
Can be personalized according to your preferences. Include the proteins, vegetables, or spices you like to create a dish that is unique to you.
List of items needed to make a recipe.
1 pound of ziti or penne pasta
1 jar of marinara or pasta sauce (24 oz)
1 cup of ricotta cheese. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use cottage cheese instead.
2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon of mixed herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine
1/2 teaspoon of powdered garlic
Extra ingredients you can choose to include:
1/2 pound of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
1 cup of cooked spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Directions
First, boil the pasta.
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before using it.
Boil the ziti in a big pot of salted water until it is slightly firm to the bite (about 1-2 minutes less than what the package says). Drain the liquid and put it to the side.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Mix
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly.
Step 3: Put together the Ziti.
Put a little marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Put half of the cooked ziti in the dish and spread it out evenly.
Put half of the cheese mixture on the pasta, then add half of the marinara sauce on top. Extend to cover.
Repeat the layers: pasta, cheese mix, and tomato sauce.
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella (1 cup) and Parmesan (1/4 cup) on top.
Step 4: Put in the oven.
Put aluminum foil on top of the dish and bake it in the oven for 20 minutes.
Take off the cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
To get a crunchy golden top, place under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve the dish.
Allow the ziti to cool for 5 minutes before you serve it. Add some fresh basil or parsley on top if you like.
Enjoy it hot with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a full meal.
Advice for being successful
Cook the pasta until it is firm to the bite. Cooking the pasta for a little less time before baking helps to keep it from getting too soft.
Prepare in advance. Prepare the ziti the night before, keep it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Make twice as much of the recipe. This meal freezes really well! Prepare an additional portion to store in the freezer for a convenient meal in the future.
Differences
Ziti con carne: Include cooked ground meat like beef, sausage, or shredded chicken in the marinara sauce for more protein.
Ziti vegetariano: Add cooked vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach on top.
Spicy Ziti: Add a little bit of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for some heat.
Why This Recipe is Effective
Lazy Day Ziti is a tasty dish that is easy to make. The different levels of soft pasta, cheesy sauce, and tasty tomato sauce cook together to create a delicious dish that is difficult to say no to. It has just the right amount of cheese and sauce, and you can customize it to your liking.
End.
Lazy Day Ziti is the perfect dish for when you are busy or want something filling and tasty. With only a few ingredients and easy steps, you can make a dish that tastes like it required a lot of time to prepare. Try using it tonight and make it a regular part of your home – it’s delicious and easy to make, no one will know how simple it is!
