Welcome, dear food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a dish that beautifully combines comfort, family bonding, and a burst of nutritious flavors – Veggie Loaded Baked Ziti. This recipe is a celebration of fresh vegetables and hearty pasta, designed for those cozy family dinners or special gatherings. It’s a versatile dish that brings everyone to the table, full of warmth and creativity.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6-8

Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups diced zucchini
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the diced red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add the baby spinach, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the vegetable-tomato sauce. Mix until the pasta is well coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta. Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Layer the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
  11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating other vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms. If you’re short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce in place of crushed tomatoes. Cheese lovers can add extra mozzarella or even a bit of gouda for a smokier flavor.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Pairings

This Veggie Loaded Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with a fresh mixed green salad and a glass of red wine, like Chianti. For dessert, try a light lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.

I hope this delightful Veggie Loaded Baked Ziti brings joy and warmth to your dinner table. Remember to share your beautiful creations using #ZynahzRecipes or tag Zynahz on Instagram. Hop over to zynahz.com to leave your feedback and join our community. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes and follow Zynahz on social media to stay connected!

Categorized in:

Bread & Baking, Chicken Recipes, Dairy-Free Recipes, Global Recipes, Pasta & Rice, Uncategorized,

Last Update: November 28, 2024