Lazy Day Ziti: The Easiest Comfort Food You’ll Ever Make

In our house, we call it “Lazy Day Ziti” because it’s perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is packed with cheesy, saucy goodness that the whole family will love. The best part? No one will guess how effortless it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal Prep: Just layer, bake, and enjoy.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices to make it your own.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional Add-Ins:
    • 1/2 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
    • 1 cup sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Ziti

  1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Add half of the cooked ziti to the dish and spread evenly.
  3. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, then pour half of the marinara sauce on top. Spread to cover.
  4. Repeat the layers: ziti, cheese mixture, and marinara sauce.
  5. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. For a golden, crispy top, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Let the ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
  2. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

  1. Use Al Dente Pasta: Slightly undercooking the pasta prevents it from becoming mushy while baking.
  2. Make Ahead: Assemble the ziti the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh when needed.
  3. Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully! Make an extra batch to freeze for a quick meal later.

Variations

  1. Meaty Ziti: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the marinara sauce for extra protein.
  2. Vegetarian Ziti: Add layers of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
  3. Spicy Ziti: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.

Conclusion

Lazy Day Ziti is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights or when you’re craving something hearty and delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Try it tonight and make it a staple in your household—it’s so good, no one will guess how effortless it is!

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