Description
Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta combined with sautéed fresh vegetables, creamy ricotta cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. This flavorful casserole is perfect for family dinners and serves 8 generously.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
Dairy
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
Other Ingredients
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped zucchini, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and release a fragrant aroma.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and ricotta cheese until everything is well combined and creamy. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.
- Assemble the Ziti: Spoon the pasta and vegetable mixture over the marinara sauce in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture, creating a cheesy blanket that will melt and brown beautifully.
- Bake the Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving to help it set and hold together nicely.
Notes
- You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing vegetables.
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of low-moisture for a creamier texture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
