Lazy Day Ziti

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### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent the ziti from sticking during baking.

2. **Cook the Ziti**
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. **Prepare the Sauce and Cheese Mixture**
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Add the garlic powder, dried basil (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. **Assemble the Ziti**
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Pour half of the marinara sauce over the pasta, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy finish.

5. **Bake**
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

6. **Garnish and Serve**
Once the ziti is baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a touch of freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy!

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### Why You’ll Love Lazy Day Ziti

1. **Quick and Easy**: This recipe is simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and steps, making it the ideal meal for a busy day.
2. **Comforting and Hearty**: The combination of pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese creates a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for satisfying your hunger.
3. **Customizable**: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite protein like ground beef, sausage, or even vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. It’s also great for using up leftover cooked chicken or meatballs.
4. **Crowd-Pleasing**: The cheesy, saucy goodness of **Lazy Day Ziti** is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a great dish for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks.
5. **Make-Ahead Option**: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

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### Tips for the Best Lazy Day Ziti

– **Add Protein**: For a heartier dish, add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the marinara sauce before layering it with the pasta. You can also mix in cooked chicken or even meatballs for a more substantial meal.
– **Use Homemade Sauce**: If you have time, making your own marinara sauce can elevate the flavor of the dish, but store-bought sauce works just fine for a quick and easy meal.
– **Cheese Options**: Mix up the types of cheese used in the recipe. Add some provolone, gouda, or even a little ricotta to the sauce for extra creaminess and depth of flavor.
– **Make It Spicy**: If you love a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkling them over the top before baking.

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### Conclusion

**Lazy Day Ziti** is the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its cheesy layers and rich marinara sauce, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this simple yet delicious recipe again and again!