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For this tasty dish, you will need: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, chopped - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 ½ cups spinach, fresh - 24 oz marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil for garnish You can make this baked ziti your own! Here are some fun options: - Swap ziti for penne or fusilli pasta. - Add cooked turkey or sausage for more protein. - Use eggplant or kale as extra veggies. - Replace marinara with pesto for a twist. These changes can make your dish unique and fun! Cheese makes this dish creamy and delicious. Here are some ideas: - Try goat cheese for a tangy flavor. - Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. - Mix in some cheddar for a sharp taste. Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses! This will give your baked ziti a special touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to cook the ziti pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of ziti pasta. Cook it until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, we will sauté the vegetables. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one large diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it turns clear. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir for a minute. Now, add one diced red bell pepper, one chopped zucchini, and one cup of sliced mushrooms. Cook all these for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften. Finally, stir in 1 ½ cups of fresh spinach, 24 ounces of marinara sauce, and season with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is warm. Now we can combine all the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the veggie sauce and 1 ½ cups of ricotta cheese. Stir gently until the pasta is well coated. Next, pour half of this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and half of ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Layer the rest of the ziti mixture and finish with the remaining cheeses. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your loaded veggie baked ziti! To cook ziti pasta just right, follow these steps: - Fill a large pot with water and add salt. - Bring the water to a boil. - Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente. - Stir often to prevent sticking. - Taste a piece to check for doneness. - Drain the pasta but save some cooking water. This water can help moisten the dish later. To get that perfect melty cheese, do this: - Layer cheese between the pasta and sauce. - Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. - Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt. Remove the foil to brown the cheese at the end. Making Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti ahead is easy: - Prepare the pasta and sauce as usual. - Combine them in a baking dish. - Cover and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, add extra cheese on top. Bake at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes if cold. This makes dinner a breeze on busy nights! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your baked ziti. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as gouda or provolone for a unique flavor twist. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve! Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked sausage, chicken, or tofu to the vegetable mixture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Simply swap the regular ziti pasta for a gluten-free version. Many brands now offer great gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice, corn, or quinoa. These work well and taste great. You can also use zucchini noodles for a lighter dish. Just spiralize fresh zucchini and bake without boiling. Feel free to add more veggies to your baked ziti. Consider using broccoli, kale, or eggplant. Carrots can add a nice touch too. If you like a bit of crunch, add some diced bell peppers. Roasted vegetables also add deep flavor. Just be sure to cook them until tender before mixing them in. This helps them blend well with the pasta. Want to add some heat? Try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can mix them into the veggie sauce. For a smoky flavor, consider using chipotle peppers. If you love a cheesy kick, sprinkle some pepper jack cheese on top before baking. This will melt beautifully and give your dish an exciting twist. After enjoying your Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti, let it cool down. Then, place leftovers in a sealed container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. This way, it stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, you can use the oven or a microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, put a single serving on a plate. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure it is hot all the way through. To freeze Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti, first cool it completely. Then, use an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned before. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne or fusilli work well too. These pasta shapes hold the sauce nicely. Just make sure to cook them until they are al dente. This keeps them firm in the baked dish. This recipe is not vegan-friendly as it uses ricotta and mozzarella cheese. However, you can swap these cheeses for vegan versions. Look for plant-based ricotta and mozzarella at your store. This way, you can enjoy a tasty, vegan-loaded veggie baked ziti. Leftovers can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When you're ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave. Enjoy those tasty bites again! Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is easy and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients and added tasty options. You saw how to prepare pasta and veggies for a great mix. I shared tips for perfect cooking and meal prep to save time. Whether you want gluten-free choices or spice, you have ideas. Storing and reheating leftovers is simple, too. Enjoy creating your baked ziti and feel free to try your own twists! Happy cooking!

Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti

A hearty and delicious baked ziti loaded with fresh vegetables and cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1.5 cups spinach, fresh
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped zucchini, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add the fresh spinach, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the veggie sauce mixture and ricotta cheese. Stir gently until evenly coated.
  • Transfer half of the ziti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan.
  • Layer the rest of the ziti mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Feel free to add any other vegetables you like.
Keyword baked ziti, pasta, vegetarian