Baked Ziti With Veggies Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Baked ziti with veggies is a comforting, hearty dish that transforms simple pasta and fresh vegetables into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for a cozy night in, this recipe offers the perfect balance of cheesy, saucy, and wholesome flavors.

The combination of tender ziti pasta, vibrant vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese makes every bite satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to sneak in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.

This baked ziti is a great option for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing flavor or texture.

With this recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to prepare a baked ziti that’s bursting with garden-fresh goodness and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection. From the first forkful to the last, this dish will warm your heart and fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Ready to dive into a delicious veggie-packed pasta bake? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti with veggies recipe is a one-dish wonder that offers several reasons to love it:

• Healthy and hearty: Loaded with fresh vegetables, it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Simple to prepare: Uses basic ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily swap or add veggies based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Comfort food classic: The melted cheese and rich tomato sauce make it irresistibly comforting.
• Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta (or penne)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Season the veggies with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
6. Mix the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir gently until blended.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: In the large pot or a big bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce and the sautéed veggies until well combined.
8. Layer the baked ziti: Spread half of the pasta-veggie mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then spread the remaining ricotta mixture over that.
9. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
10. Bake the ziti: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
11. Rest before serving: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
12. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, be careful not to overcook the pasta during boiling since it will continue to cook in the oven.

Feel free to swap veggies based on what you have: eggplant, kale, broccoli, or even roasted butternut squash work wonderfully.

Try using vegan cheese or no-cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version. Check out Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for inspiration.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or incorporate fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This baked ziti with veggies pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich and cheesy flavors perfectly.

For a lighter option, serve with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. You can also turn this into a festive meal by adding a bowl of Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings as a starter.

If you want to switch up your pasta routine, check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals for more inspiration.

Conclusion

Baked ziti with veggies is a delicious, nutritious dish that brings the best of Italian comfort food right to your table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve guests.

The combination of fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and melty cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to please everyone.

What’s fantastic about this recipe is its flexibility—you can easily tailor it to suit your taste or dietary needs by swapping veggies or cheeses. Plus, it reheats wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

If you love this recipe, be sure to explore more comforting and flavorful vegetarian dishes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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