Name: Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Ziti Pasta; 48 ounces Marinara Sauce; 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese; 16 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded; ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1 large Onion, chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 Bell Peppers, assorted colors, chopped; 2 medium Zucchini, chopped; 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced; 5 ounces Fresh Spinach, roughly chopped; 3 tablespoons Olive Oil; 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning; ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional); Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti combines fresh, vibrant vegetables with classic Italian flavors for a hearty and satisfying meal. Creamy cheeses and a rich marinara sauce come together in this comforting baked pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

The dish is a baked pasta casserole in a rectangular black baking dish, filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer shows rigatoni pasta mixed with a rich red tomato sauce and bits of ground meat, the middle layer is melted creamy mozzarella cheese, stretching slightly between pasta pieces, and the top layer has a golden-brown baked cheese crust sprinkled with finely grated parmesan and chopped green parsley, adding texture and color contrast. The pasta is tubular, slightly browned on the edges from baking, and the herbs are evenly spread over the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
48 ounces marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers (assorted colors), chopped
2 medium zucchini, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until peppers are slightly softened and garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 5: Stir in chopped zucchini and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and excess moisture has evaporated.
Step 6: Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season the vegetables with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Step 7: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
Step 8: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with about three-quarters of the vegetable marinara sauce until evenly coated.
Step 9: Spread half of the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over it, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 10: Add the remaining sauced pasta on top, spread the remaining ricotta evenly, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 11: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 12: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade marinara sauce for a richer, fresher flavor.
Substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
Add cooked Italian sausage or plant-based protein for a non-vegetarian or vegan option.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check sauce ingredients.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked pasta dish in a dark baking pan showing three visible layers; the bottom layer is pasta tubes mixed with red tomato sauce and bits of cooked meat, the middle layer is melted white cheese covering the pasta, and the top layer has a sprinkling of grated white cheese and chopped green herbs evenly spread. The pasta looks soft with browned spots on the cheese. The pane rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze the loaded veggie baked ziti?

Absolutely. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.