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Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

A vibrant and hearty vegetarian baked ziti loaded with fresh vegetables, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly balanced with Italian seasonings and baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish offers a wholesome and flavorful meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauces

  • 1 pound Ziti Pasta
  • 48 ounces Marinara Sauce

Cheeses

  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
  • 16 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

Vegetables

  • 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

Seasonings and Oils

  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
  2. Cook the Ziti Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, adding a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  4. Add Garlic and Bell Peppers: Stir in minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until peppers soften slightly but retain a slight crunch and garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
  5. Incorporate Zucchini and Mushrooms: Add chopped zucchini and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until zucchini is tender and mushrooms have browned and released moisture.
  6. Stir in Spinach and Seasonings: Add roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste, ensuring balanced flavors.
  7. Combine Vegetables with Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with vegetables. Stir well and simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
  8. Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta with three-quarters of the vegetable marinara sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Layer the Ziti in the Baking Dish: Spread half of the sauced ziti mixture into the baking dish. Evenly dollop ricotta cheese over this layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  10. Add the Remaining Ziti and Toppings: Top with the remaining sauced ziti mixture. Spread remaining ricotta cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  11. Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  12. Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes to set the dish, making it easier to serve and preventing burns from hot melted cheese.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute ziti with other tubular pasta like penne if needed.
  • Letting the baked ziti rest is crucial for easier slicing and serving.
  • Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese to avoid excess wateriness in the bake.

Keywords: baked ziti, vegetarian baked ziti, cheesy baked pasta, Italian pasta bake, vegetable baked ziti, ricotta pasta bake, healthy baked ziti

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/loaded-veggie-baked-ziti-recipe/