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Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.1 from 35 reviews

Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is a vibrant, comforting Italian-inspired dish packed with fresh vegetables, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. This vegetarian casserole layers tender al dente ziti pasta with sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and a flavorful mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to bubbling, golden perfection. It’s a wholesome, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful combination of textures and classic Italian flavors.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound Ziti Pasta

Sauce and Cheese

  • 48 ounces Marinara Sauce
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
  • 16 ounces shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Vegetables

  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 Bell Peppers (assorted colors: red, yellow, green), chopped
  • 2 medium Zucchini, chopped
  • 8 ounces Mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
  • 5 ounces fresh Spinach, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Oils

  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate serving.
  2. Cook the Ziti Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, ensuring it is not overcooked as it will cook further in the oven. Drain thoroughly and set aside, optionally tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Garlic and Bell Peppers: Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until bell peppers are slightly softened but still have some crunch, and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Incorporate Zucchini and Mushrooms: Add chopped zucchini and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and mushrooms have released moisture and begun to brown, reducing excess liquid.
  6. Stir in Spinach and Seasonings: Add roughly chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  7. Combine Vegetables with Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with vegetables. Stir to coat thoroughly. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta with three-quarters of the vegetable marinara sauce, tossing gently to coat.
  9. Layer the Ziti in the Baking Dish: Spread half of the sauced ziti in the prepared baking dish. Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  10. Add the Remaining Ziti and Toppings: Top with the remaining sauced ziti. Spread the remaining ricotta cheese evenly over this layer, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  11. Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking another 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  12. Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven to set before slicing and serving, preventing burns and aiding portioning.

Notes

  • Do not overcook pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Sautéing the vegetables well helps prevent watery baked ziti by cooking off excess moisture.
  • Using low-moisture part-skim mozzarella prevents excess water in the dish.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor more than pre-grated options.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to preferred spice level.
  • Allowing the baked ziti to rest helps it set and improves slicing.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/loaded-veggie-baked-ziti-recipe/