Friday, August 22, 2014

Easy Weeknight Meal: Baked Ziti Recipe


We are always looking for easy meals during the week that taste delicious! We are at karate three weeknights a week so we typically get to sit down only half the week for a home-cooked meal! I love meals that can be made ahead and frozen as well. 

This Baked Ziti recipe is delicious - you can substitute any pasta noodle of your choosing if you don't have Ziti or if you prefer a different shape. Sometimes I double the recipe and make two pans of it and freeze the second pan for another meal during the month. We always have leftovers with this meal since it is only the three of us, so it is perfect for lunch the next day at work or leftovers the next night.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ziti pasta (uncooked)
  • 15 oz. Ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 jars (24-28 oz) Spaghetti sauce (any flavor, your choice)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and spray a 13x9 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Boil Ziti following package directions; drain and place in a large bowl (do not rinse).
  3. Mix all the Ricotta cheese and half of the shredded Mozzarella cheese with the cooked Ziti.
  4. Pour one jar of Spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the 13x9 pan to cover.
  5. Put the Ziti mixture on top of the sauce in the pan.
  6. Pour second jar of Spaghetti sauce over top of Ziti to cover.
  7. Top will remaining Mozzarella cheese.
  8. Baked, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and is lightly golden.

This dish serves 8-10 people. Serve with your favorite garlic bread and dinner salad for a complete meal!

Variation: If you prefer meat in your pasta - add cooked Italian sausage, ground meat, etc for some added protein! 




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