Oven Baked 3 Ingredients Lazy Monterey Jack Ziti is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With just three simple ingredients, this recipe is not only easy to make but also satisfying and cheesy. It’s a great choice for busy families or anyone looking for a low-effort dinner that still feels special.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. It requires minimal ingredients, making it budget-friendly and easy to prepare. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, yet you’ll still end up with a hearty and comforting dish. Plus, the gooey Monterey Jack cheese melted on top will make everyone at the table happy. It’s a win-win for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers!
How to Make Oven Baked 3 Ingredients Lazy Monterey Jack Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry ziti pasta
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just shy of tender, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, stir the hot drained ziti with the pasta sauce and 2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until evenly coated.
- Spread the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. For a deeper golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Let the ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it can set up a bit and scoop neatly.
How to Serve Oven Baked 3 Ingredients Lazy Monterey Jack Ziti
Serve the ziti warm from the oven. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also top it with fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for added flavor and color before serving.
How to Store Oven Baked 3 Ingredients Lazy Monterey Jack Ziti
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350F until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until hot.
Tips to Make Oven Baked 3 Ingredients Lazy Monterey Jack Ziti
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables or protein, like ground beef or chicken, to the mix for extra nutrition.
- If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce.
Variation
You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat ziti pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works great and adds a bit more fiber to the dish.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the ziti before baking or after cooking. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months.
3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free ziti pasta to make the dish gluten-free while keeping the same great flavor.
Oven Baked 3 Ingredients Lazy Monterey Jack Ziti
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just shy of tender, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, stir the hot drained ziti with the pasta sauce and 2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until evenly coated.
- Spread the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. For a deeper golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Let the ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it can set up a bit and scoop neatly.
