How to Make the Perfect Lazy Day Ziti: A Cozy & Delicious Comfort Food
When you’re craving comfort food but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, Lazy Day Ziti is the perfect solution. This simple, hearty, and flavorful pasta dish combines tender ziti, gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and the perfect amount of seasoning—all baked to perfection. It's quick, easy, and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Want to learn how to make the best Lazy Day Ziti that will have your family begging for seconds? Let’s dive into this easy and irresistible recipe!
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Ingredients for Lazy Day Ziti
For the Pasta & Sauce Base:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Lazy Day Ziti
This recipe is so easy you’ll be enjoying your meal in no time. Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Boil the Ziti Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, as directed on the package. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add your jar of marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine the Pasta & Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce until well-coated.
5. Layer the Ziti in a Baking Dish
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. Spread half of the ziti mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the ziti. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the layer.
Top with the remaining ziti mixture and finish by adding the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake the Ziti
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning, and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Let the ziti cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete comfort meal!
Tips for the Best Lazy Day Ziti
Here are a few tips to elevate your pasta dish:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage to make this dish even heartier.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can take the flavor to the next level.
- Make It Your Own: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to make this dish even more nutritious and hearty.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook your ziti to al dente to ensure the perfect texture when baked.
How to Store Leftovers
Lazy Day Ziti is perfect for meal prepping and leftovers. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze portions of ziti for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit any meat and stick to just ziti, sauce, and cheese. You can even add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While ziti is traditional, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or other short pasta shapes depending on what you have on hand.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering to give your ziti a spicy kick.
A Family Favorite Every Time
Lazy Day Ziti is the kind of dish that makes you feel warm and at home. With its rich layers of cheese, flavorful marinara sauce, and perfectly tender pasta, it will quickly become a weeknight favorite in your home.
Ready to bring comfort food to your table? Gather your ingredients and make this Lazy Day Ziti tonight!