This post sponsored by Palmolive. All thoughts and opinions 100% my own.
We have just a few weeks left of school and my son is so excited that summer break is coming. We’ve got several trips planned over the summer and we’re all so excited! I’m leaving latter this afternoon to get passport photos for the kids. And hopefully if we rush them, they’ll be here in time.
And speaking of rushing, don’t you feel rushed at the end of the school year? There are so many fun things going on and so many end of the year celebrations and plans that need to be made for the upcoming school year. I’ve really been feeling rushed all around and haven’t had the time in the kitchen like I usually do.
But because mu kids love pasta more than anything in the world, it’s been my go-to for these super busy weeknights. It doesn’t take any time at all to whip up a homemade, wholesome pasta dinner that the whole family will love.
Since the kids love all types of pasta dishes, I try and incorporate as many healthy vegetables as possible. That way I can feel a little better about serving it to them.
For this dish, I used lots of fresh vegetables that I quickly roasted and then incorporated into this simple baked ziti. For the sauce, I used a simple marinara and for the cheeses I used ricotta, Mozzarella and Parmesan.
To help get the kids involved, I have them find the veggies in the fridge, and then have my older son help chop the veggies. He usually acts as my sous chef, while I try to help teach him how to cook our family’s favorite meals.
When it’s time to mix something or add ingredients, I get my little daughter to help. She loves adding in ingredients into bowls and trying to help mix. It’s definitely messier with a toddler trying to help cook, but it’s so fun!
After I combine the pasta, veggies, sauce and ricotta, I pour it into a greased casserole dish. Then I layer on the mozzarella and Parmesan before placing it in the oven to bake. I wait until it’s nice and bubbly, and it’s ready to go!
I serve this ziti by itself. Since it’s full of fresh veggies, there’s no reason to add a side salad unless you really want to. Just open up a nice bottle of dry white wine for the adults and you’re ready to go!
Now when it’s time to do the dishes, I turn to my trusted favorite dishwashing soap, Palmolive. Since I do so many dishes, I must have something that’s not only tough on grease, but gentle on my hands.
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Be sure to visit Palmolive’s Facebook page to see Messipe Moments with Freddie Prinze Jr.
Yield: 8 servings
1 medium zucchini squash
1 medium yellow squash
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 medium eggplant, diced
½ medium onion, diced
salt and peper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs
2 jars spaghetti sauce
1 lb ziti pasta
1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
2 cups Italian blend shredded cheeses
Start Clean – I always ask the kids to help me clear off all the counters, clean out the sink and empty the dishwasher before we start anything in the kitchen.
Heat oven to 350°. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, eggplant and onion. Add salt pepper. Saute until vegetables are softened.
Add dried Italian herbs and spaghetti sauce. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
While sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and boil ziti according to package directions to al dente.
Grease a large casserole dish with olive oil. When pasta is ready, add it to the casserole dish. Pour sauce and vegetables over the top and mix to make sure all pasta is covered in sauce.
“Messipe” Moment: Have your kids spoon the ricotta on top of pasta in dollops. Then they can spread shredded cheese over top and place in oven.
Bake at 350° for 15 – 20 minutes or until lightly golden and bubbly.
Clean-up Tip: Have the kids add a few drops of Palmolive® Ultra StrengthTM Dish Liquid to the casserole dish then add a little water and let it soak. Soaking for at least 15 minutes will help loosen the stuck on food and make the dish super easy to clean.
2 winners will win Palmolive Messipe Kits, which are composed of signed Messipes from Freddie Prinze Jr and the Palmolive product!
To enter the giveaway, be sure to leave a comment in the comment section below telling me your messiest recipe!
This recipe sponsored by Palmolive. All thoughts and opinions 100% mine.