Baked Ziti with Vegetables: A Healthy and Comforting Pasta Bake
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering every Sunday for a big meal. One of the highlights was always a hearty pasta dish, and baked ziti was a staple. It was a dish that brought everyone together, filling the house with warmth and laughter. Now, as an adult, I’ve adapted that classic recipe to include more vegetables, making it a healthier option without sacrificing the comforting flavors I cherish.
What Makes It Special
This baked ziti recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Vegetable-Packed: Incorporating a variety of vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds vibrant colors and textures.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: It retains the classic cheesy goodness of traditional baked ziti while being lighter and healthier.
- Easy to Prepare: This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
Gather Your Ingredients
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Let’s Get Cooking
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
My Pro Tips
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For added flavor, try mixing in some cooked ground turkey or sausage.
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Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
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Let the baked ziti sit for about 10 minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes for easier slicing.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread for a crunchy side
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- A glass of red wine to complement the flavors
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
The Heart of the Dish
This baked ziti with vegetables is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of family gatherings and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Each bite is filled with nostalgia, warmth, and a touch of healthiness that makes it perfect for any occasion.
Your Turn
I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and variations!
Baked Ziti with Vegetables: A Healthy and Comforting Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
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 mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, zucchini, bell pepper, spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and enjoy!
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