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Effortless Baked Ziti: The Perfect Lazy Day Comfort Meal

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Introduction
Sometimes, we crave a hearty, comforting meal without the hassle of spending hours in the kitchen. Enter the Lazy Day Ziti—a simple yet delicious baked pasta dish that's perfect for busy evenings or when you just want to take it easy. Packed with cheesy goodness, savory tomato sauce, and tender ziti pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing a meal to share with friends, this dish has you covered.

Ingredients
12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Combine and assemble: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the ziti uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Variations

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