Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti

$To make a tasty baked ziti with vegetables, gather these ingredients: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor and texture. The ziti pasta provides a hearty base. Olive oil adds richness, while onion and garlic create a fragrant start. The bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms bring color and nutrients. Crushed tomatoes form the sauce, and herbs boost flavor. The cheeses add creaminess and depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. With these simple, fresh ingredients, you can create a delightful dish everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook 12 oz of ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté it until it looks clear, about 3-4 minutes. - Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. - Cook these for another 5-7 minutes until all the veggies get soft. - Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz) and add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. - Let this mix simmer for about 10 minutes. - Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach until it wilts, then remove the skillet from heat. - In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the vegetable sauce, 1 ½ cups of ricotta cheese, and ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until everything is coated well. - Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Cover the dish with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. - How to avoid soggy pasta Cook the ziti pasta until it's al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Drain and do not rinse. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce stick. - Tips for achieving bubbly, golden cheese Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. This combo creates a great texture. Bake covered with foil for the first part. Remove the foil to let the cheese brown and bubble. - Suggestions for optimal seasoning Always taste your sauce. Add salt, pepper, and herbs like basil and oregano. You can adjust these to your liking. Fresh herbs add more flavor than dried ones. - Garnishing options Fresh basil leaves look lovely on top. They add a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan for richness. - Recommended side dishes A simple side salad pairs well. The crunch balances the creamy ziti. Garlic bread also works great for dipping in any leftover sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or oregano right before serving enhances the flavor and adds a burst of freshness to your baked ziti. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique twist on the traditional mozzarella and ricotta combination. Make Ahead: Prepare the baked ziti in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or eggplant to make it even more nutritious and colorful. {{image_2}} You can change the vegetables in baked ziti to fit your taste. Try adding seasonal veggies like: - Broccoli florets - Roasted red peppers - Eggplant cubes - Carrots, shredded or diced These add color and nutrients. You can also switch cheeses for a new twist. Use gouda or feta for a unique flavor. Mixing different cheeses can make your dish special. Making baked ziti gluten-free is easy. Use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta. Check labels to ensure your pasta is safe. For a vegan version, skip the ricotta and mozzarella. Instead, use cashew cheese or tofu. You can also add lentils or chickpeas for protein. This keeps your meal hearty and tasty. To keep your baked ziti fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture and flavors. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Baked ziti can last in the fridge for about three to five days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it's best to toss it. Freezing baked ziti is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, it can last for about two to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, take a portion out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you want to brown the cheese, remove the foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps your baked ziti tasty and not dry. Yes, you can prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time. Cook the pasta and make the sauce. Layer the ziti, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. You can bake it later. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. To spice up your Baked Ziti, add crushed red pepper flakes. Mix them in with the sauce. You can also use spicy sausage instead of regular sausage. For even more heat, consider adding jalapeños or spicy cheese. Adjust the spice to your taste. Baked Ziti goes well with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works great. Garlic bread is another classic choice. It adds crunch and flavor. You might also enjoy serving it with roasted vegetables for a healthy side. This blog post covers how to make delicious baked ziti. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. From sautéed veggies to golden cheese, each element plays a role in flavor. Try variations for dietary needs or different veggies to mix it up. Store leftovers well to enjoy later. Overall, baked ziti is easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal. You now have all the tools to make your own delicious version at home. Enjoy every cheesy bite!$

Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti

A hearty and delicious baked ziti packed with vegetables and cheesy goodness.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper chopped
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
2 cups fresh spinach
1.5 cups ricotta cheese
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the fresh spinach until just wilted, then remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, vegetable sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keyword baked ziti, pasta, vegetarian