Tag: Italian-American dish.

Baked Ziti – A Delicious and Hearty Meal for Stay-at-Home Parents

As a stay-at-home parent, it can be challenging to find the time to prepare a delicious and hearty meal for your family. Baked ziti is a perfect solution – it can be made ahead of time, making mealtime easier, and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a comforting Italian classic on the table in no time!

Ingredients:
1 pound of ziti pasta
1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
2 cups of ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, and pepper. Stir until well combined. When pasta is done cooking, drain and add to the cheese mixture. Stir until pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Pour ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle with chopped basil (if desired). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

As a stay-at-home parent, I know that time is precious and meals need to be easy yet delicious for my family. This baked ziti recipe has become one of our favorites – it’s easy to make ahead of time and always gets rave reviews from my loved ones! It’s also an economical option – all of the ingredients are affordable and you can easily double the recipe if needed. Plus, it’s so comforting – perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

My own story with this dish began many years ago when I was trying to impress my Italian mother-in-law with a homemade dinner. I had heard about this dish called “baked ziti” but had never made it before. I was nervous but determined to try it out – after all, I wanted her to be proud of me! I followed the recipe closely and was so pleased when dinner was served – everyone loved it! Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our home as we love the combination of cheesy goodness with the flavorful tomato sauce.

If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious meal option as a stay-at-home parent – give baked ziti a try! You won’t be disappointed in this classic Italian dish that will become an instant family favorite! Enjoy!