Description
Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting pasta dish that highlights a medley of fresh vegetables baked with ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Perfectly balanced with savory flavors and vibrant textures, this vegetarian baked pasta is ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, and vegetable lovers seeking a wholesome, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, meaning it should be slightly firm to the bite as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Then add diced bell peppers, zucchini, sliced mushrooms, and spinach. Sauté until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
- Mix the Cheeses and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat all the ingredients with the sauce and cheese.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Grease a baking dish and transfer half of the pasta mixture into it. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, then finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
- Use fresh vegetables for vibrant color and the best texture.
- Layer cheeses between pasta layers for gooey, flavorful bites throughout the dish.
- Allow the baked ziti to rest before serving for easier portioning.
- Double the marinara sauce if you prefer a saucier pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: baked ziti, vegetarian pasta, veggie baked pasta, comfort food, Italian casserole, vegetable pasta bake, ricotta baked pasta
