Description
This Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired casserole packed with colorful vegetables, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it combines perfectly cooked ziti pasta with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups spinach leaves
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the red and green bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, approximately 7–10 minutes.
- Wilt Spinach and Season: Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted. Then sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce, mixing well to integrate all ingredients evenly.
- Layer First Half: Spread half of the ziti mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over it, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Layer Second Half: Add the remaining ziti mixture on top of the first layer. Dot with the remaining ricotta cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the ziti with gluten-free pasta.
- You can add other vegetables like eggplant or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Use fresh herbs if available for better flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make it vegan, replace cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan marinara sauce.
