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For this tasty baked ziti, gather these simple ingredients: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 24 oz marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste You can add more fun flavors to your baked ziti. Here are some ideas: - Cooked sausage or meat for a heartier meal. - Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. - Olives or capers for a salty kick. - Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist. - Spinach or kale for more greens and nutrients. Choosing fresh vegetables makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Look for vibrant colors. This shows that they are ripe and healthy. - Feel for firmness. Veggies should not be soft or mushy. - Check for blemishes. Avoid any that show signs of decay. - Choose seasonal produce. It tastes better and is often cheaper. By picking the right ingredients, you ensure that your baked ziti is full of flavor and nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the ziti cook evenly. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients. You will need ziti pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, marinara sauce, and cheeses. Make sure your workspace is tidy. This will help you focus on the cooking. Next, cook 12 oz of ziti pasta in boiling water. Follow the package instructions for timing. Aim for al dente, which means firm but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is a key step, as overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the bake. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 4 minutes. Then, toss in 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Cook these for 5-7 minutes until they soften. Add 1 cup of chopped spinach next, along with 24 oz of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Optionally, you can add red pepper flakes for heat. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Let this mix simmer for 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavors of the sauce. Now it's time to assemble. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the vegetable sauce and 2 cups of ricotta cheese. Make sure everything is evenly coated. Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mix in it. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Layer the rest of the pasta mix on top. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked ziti! To make your ricotta creamy, start with high-quality cheese. Fresh ricotta adds the best flavor. Before mixing it in, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it blend smoothly. If you want extra creaminess, mix in a splash of milk or cream. This simple step makes a big difference! Measuring your ingredients correctly is key to great baked ziti. Use dry measuring cups for flour and cheese. For liquids, use a clear measuring cup with a spout. Always level off dry ingredients with a knife for accuracy. If a recipe calls for chopped vegetables, chop them evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate. To boost flavor, sauté your vegetables until they are tender. This step releases their natural sugars. Don’t rush it! A little caramelization adds depth. When adding spices, let them cook for a minute to release their oils. Lastly, always season with salt and pepper at every stage. This builds layers of flavor in your dish. Pro Tips Prep Your Veggies Ahead: Chop and prepare all your vegetables in advance to make the cooking process smoother and quicker. Mix Cheese for Extra Flavor: Combine ricotta with a bit of mozzarella before layering to enhance the cheesy flavor and create a creamy texture. Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for a burst of freshness and vibrant flavor. Check for Doneness: Always check the baked ziti toward the end of the baking time to ensure the cheese is perfectly melted and golden without overcooking. {{image_2}} To make baked ziti gluten-free, use gluten-free ziti pasta. Many brands offer tasty options now. You can also try brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta. These alternatives cook similarly to regular pasta. Just be careful to follow the package instructions. The cooking time may change slightly. If you want a vegan baked ziti, swap out the dairy. For ricotta cheese, try blended tofu with lemon juice and nutritional yeast. This mix gives a creamy texture and a cheesy flavor. For mozzarella, use vegan cheese shreds. Many brands melt well and taste great. You can also use cashew cheese for a rich flavor. Want to add protein? Tofu and tempeh work well. Cube the tofu and sauté it with the veggies. For tempeh, crumble it and add it to the sauce for extra texture. If you prefer meat, ground beef or turkey are great choices. Cook the meat before adding it to the sauce. This gives the dish a heartier feel. Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. Make sure it cools to room temp before sealing. This helps keep moisture in check. Leftover ziti stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. You can also use the microwave, but the oven gives better texture. To freeze baked ziti, first let it cool completely. Portion it into smaller containers. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Label with the date before placing in the freezer. Frozen baked ziti can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. Yes, you can make Baked Ziti ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it a great option for busy days. If you don’t have ziti, use any medium-sized pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli work well. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce. This helps every bite taste great. Make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. To avoid soggy Baked Ziti, follow a few tips. First, cook the pasta al dente. This means it should have a little bite when you taste it. Next, let the cooked pasta cool a bit before mixing it with the sauce. Lastly, don’t add too much sauce. Use just enough to coat the pasta well. This keeps it from becoming too wet as it bakes. Baked ziti with vegetables is a tasty dish you can easily make at home. You learned about the right ingredients, from pasta to fresh veggies. I shared tips for cooking the ziti perfectly and how to layer it for great taste. You can even try fun variations, like gluten-free or vegan options. My final thought: enjoy the process of cooking and make it your own. Happy baking!

Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti

A delicious and hearty baked ziti loaded with vegetables and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 number red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 number zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper

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 chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
  • Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach, marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, vegetable sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Transfer half of the pasta mix into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.
Keyword baked ziti, pasta, vegetarian