Go Back
To make a tasty baked ziti with vegetables, you need these simple ingredients: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), deseeded and chopped - 1 medium zucchini, diced into small cubes - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 ½ cups creamy ricotta cheese - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese These ingredients work together to create a dish full of flavor and nutrients. The ziti pasta serves as a hearty base, while the veggies add color and taste. The cheeses bring creaminess and richness. Each bite will leave you satisfied and happy. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting a nice, even bake. Next, cook the ziti pasta. Follow the package instructions and cook until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it on medium. Add 1 medium onion, finely diced. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it’s soft. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the veggies are tender. Next, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes. The flavors will blend well. Just before you finish, stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach until it wilts. In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the veggie sauce. Add 1 ½ cups of creamy ricotta cheese and half of the 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well so that the pasta is fully coated. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the ziti mixture in and spread it evenly. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden. Once you remove it from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then it's ready to serve! To cook ziti pasta well, start with a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil before adding the ziti. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and make sure not to rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. When sautéing vegetables, always heat your pan first. Use medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in onions first; they take longer to cook. Stir them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn soft. Then, add garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to avoid burning it. Next, add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Stir these for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and a bit golden. This helps to deepen the flavors. For a rich flavor, I recommend using a mix of cheeses. Ricotta adds creaminess while mozzarella gives that gooey stretch. Parmesan adds a salty kick and depth. For a twist, try adding some provolone or fontina. These cheeses melt well and blend together perfectly in baked ziti. To make your baked ziti look appealing, use a nice baking dish. Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set. Serve it with fresh basil leaves on top for color. Pair it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A colorful plate makes a big difference! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh basil or parsley as a garnish not only enhances the dish's flavor but also adds a vibrant touch to the presentation. Make Ahead: Prepare the baked ziti a day in advance, cover it tightly and refrigerate. Just bake it for an additional 10 minutes when ready to serve. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like eggplant or broccoli for a personal twist on this classic dish. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like feta or gouda for added flavor depth and a unique twist on the traditional recipe. {{image_4}} Baked ziti is naturally a great choice for vegetarians. You can add more veggies for extra flavor and nutrients. Try adding broccoli, carrots, or eggplant. You can also use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This adds freshness and depth to the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ziti pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. You can also use rice or quinoa as a base. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Adding protein makes the dish heartier. Cooked chicken or Italian sausage works well. You can also use crumbled tofu for a plant-based option. Simply sauté the protein with your veggies. Mix it with the ziti and sauce before baking for a filling meal. After enjoying your baked ziti, let the dish cool to room temperature. Use an airtight container to store the leftovers. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying. You can store it in your fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. To freeze baked ziti, cool it completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as described above for a tasty meal. Yes, you can make Baked Ziti ahead of time. Just prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. Then, bake as directed. Baked Ziti lasts in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it instead. Absolutely! You can swap in vegetables you enjoy. Try adding spinach, kale, or even eggplant. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces to blend well with the pasta. Cooking time may vary depending on the vegetable added. If you need a ricotta substitute, try cottage cheese or mascarpone. Both create a creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use blended tofu with a bit of lemon juice. This keeps the dish rich and tasty. Baked ziti is a delicious and simple dish to make. We covered the key ingredients, like ziti pasta and fresh veggies. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you in cooking. You learned tips for perfecting your pasta and choosing the right cheeses. Plus, I gave you variations for different diets and storage tips for leftovers. With this info, you can create your own tasty baked ziti that fits your needs. The best part? You can customize it any way you like! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti

A delicious and hearty baked ziti dish packed with vegetables and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper deseeded and chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1.5 cups creamy ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready.
  • Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
  • In a large skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and warm it up over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Next, introduce the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, diced zucchini, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until all vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, followed by a sprinkle of dried basil, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for around 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
  • Just before removing from heat, fold in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts down, then turn off the heat completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the rich vegetable sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and each piece of pasta is nicely coated.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, then pour the ziti mixture into it, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan on top.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a delightful touch, garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves. Pair it with a crisp side salad and warm garlic bread for a wonderfully complete meal that will impress!
Keyword baked ziti, pasta, vegetarian