Description
Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender ziti pasta with a vibrant mix of garden-fresh vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheeses. This wholesome and hearty baked pasta meal is perfect for families or gatherings, offering a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite while being customizable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz ziti pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 cups tomato sauce (marinara or homemade)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling your ziti pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to maintain the perfect texture after baking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add diced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Sauté just until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
- Mix the Sauce and Cheese: In a bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the tomato sauce. Stir in the ricotta cheese along with fresh basil and oregano, creating a creamy and flavorful filling for the pasta.
- Layer the Ziti: In a baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti evenly on the bottom. Spoon over half of the veggie and tomato ricotta mixture. Add the remaining pasta on top and finish by generously sprinkling shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the layers.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled ziti for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the sauce is heated through.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta; boil ziti until just al dente to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano to vastly improve flavor.
- Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Allow the baked ziti to rest 5-10 minutes before serving so flavors meld and the dish sets.
- Opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture and richer taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg