Lazy Day Ziti

### Instructions:

**1. Cook the Ziti Pasta:**
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

**2. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:**
While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the dried basil and oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**3. Mix the Cheese:**
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This cheesy mixture will create the rich, creamy layers in your ziti.

**4. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese:**
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the sauce and stir to coat. Next, fold in the cheesy ricotta mixture, making sure the pasta is well-coated with both the sauce and cheese.

**5. Assemble the Ziti Casserole:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese for that melty, gooey topping that everyone loves.

**6. Bake:**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
Once your *Lazy Day Ziti* is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it with a simple salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

### Why You’ll Love Lazy Day Ziti:

**1. Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor:**
This recipe takes only a few basic ingredients—pasta, sauce, and cheese—and turns them into a mouthwatering dish that’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a flavorful meal.

**2. Perfect for Busy Weeknights:**
*Lazy Day Ziti* is the ideal meal for hectic days when you need something quick but still want to enjoy a comforting dish. It’s easy to prepare, and once it’s in the oven, you can relax while it bakes.

**3. Customizable:**
While this recipe is delicious on its own, it’s also highly customizable! Add some cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein, or toss in some vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it even heartier. You can also swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce or a mix of both for a different flavor.

**4. Family-Friendly:**
This is one of those meals that both kids and adults love. With cheesy layers and pasta, it’s a surefire hit with picky eaters and anyone who loves a good Italian-inspired dish.

**5. Leftovers Are Amazing:**
If you have any leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), *Lazy Day Ziti* reheats beautifully. The flavors continue to develop, making it a great meal to enjoy the next day for lunch or dinner.

### Tips for Perfect Lazy Day Ziti:

– **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Since the pasta will bake in the oven, be sure to cook it al dente to avoid it becoming too soft during baking.

– **Add Extra Cheese:** For those who love a cheesy dish, feel free to add extra mozzarella or even a mix of other cheeses like provolone or fontina for more flavor.

– **Use Store-Bought Sauce:** One of the beauties of *Lazy Day Ziti* is that it’s meant to be simple. Using a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce saves time and effort while still giving you a delicious, flavorful base.

– **Freeze for Later:** If you’re cooking for a crowd or want to have a meal ready for a busy day, *Lazy Day Ziti* freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and reheat in the oven.

### Conclusion:

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark like *Lazy Day Ziti*. With its cheesy goodness, rich marinara sauce, and hearty pasta, it’s the perfect meal for busy nights when you want something easy and satisfying. This no-fuss, delicious recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a flavorful dish that your whole family will love.

So next time you’re looking for an easy yet indulgent meal, pull together this *Lazy Day Ziti*—it’s sure to become a go-to comfort food in your recipe rotation!