Looking for a quick, comforting dish that tastes like it was made from scratch? Meet “Lazy Day Ziti,” the ultimate recipe for busy days when you want something delicious, cheesy, and hearty with minimal effort. Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or meal prepping, this baked ziti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal Prep: Layer, bake, and enjoy!
Family Favorite: Great for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or leftovers.
Customizable: Add your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices to make it your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
1 lb ziti or penne pasta
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese (or substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional Add-Ins
½ lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
1 cup cooked vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini)
How to Make Lazy Day Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente (1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Ziti
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add half the cooked pasta, followed by half the cheese mixture, and half the marinara sauce. Spread evenly.
- Repeat the layers: pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella (1 cup) and Parmesan (¼ cup).
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden, crispy top, broil on high for 2-3 minutes (optional).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
Undercook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
Make Ahead: Assemble the ziti the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully. Make an extra batch to freeze for quick future meals.
Variations
Meaty Ziti: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for a protein boost.
Vegetarian Ziti: Incorporate cooked veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Spicy Ziti: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Why This Recipe Works
Lazy Day Ziti combines tender pasta, gooey cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce into a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. The layering process ensures every bite is packed with cheesy, saucy goodness, while the customizable options let you adapt it to your preferences.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, Lazy Day Ziti is your go-to recipe. With just a few pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to make. Try it tonight and make it a family favorite—it’s so good, no one will believe how simple it is!
Comfort food recipes
Quick pasta dinner ideas
Family-friendly meals
Make-ahead pasta dishes