Description
A hearty and wholesome dish that combines ziti pasta with a medley of colorful vegetables and cheesy goodness, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- Ziti Pasta (1 pound)
- Marinara Sauce (48 ounces)
- Ricotta Cheese (15 ounces)
- Mozzarella Cheese (16 ounces, shredded)
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Onion (1 large, chopped)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Bell Peppers (2, assorted colors)
- Zucchini (2 medium, chopped)
- Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced)
- Spinach (5 ounces, fresh, roughly chopped)
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons)
- Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons)
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, cooking until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sautéed veggies, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the ziti mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers as desired, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Pairs beautifully with a green salad or garlic bread. This dish is great for meal prep and can be frozen unbaked for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked ziti, vegetarian pasta, comfort food, family meal, easy dinner