Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal that can please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike? The Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe is a delightful dish that is not only simple to prepare but also customizable to your taste. With layers of flavorful vegetables, rich marinara sauce, and a cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. Let’s dive into this satisfying recipe that the whole family will adore!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 360
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg

Why Make Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

The Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe is not just a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome choice for a healthy dinner. Packed with vibrant vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, this dish offers a burst of nutrients while still being filling and comforting. It’s a versatile recipe, allowing you to swap in or out your favorite veggies or adjust the level of cheese to suit your preferences. Plus, leftovers—if there are any—reheat beautifully, making this dish an excellent candidate for meal prep!

How to Make Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe Step by Step

Ingredients

3/4 lb Ziti or Penne pasta
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil recommended)
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 zucchini, small diced
1 bell pepper (orange or red), cored and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt, to taste
1 tsp dry oregano
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
6 cups quality marinara sauce (store-bought is fine)
10 basil leaves, torn or chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese (part-skim recommended)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (1/4 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping)
6 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided (3 tbsp for filling, remainder for assembling and topping)

Directions

1. Heat your oven to 375 degrees F, ensuring it reaches the proper temperature before baking.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onions and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly. Then add the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing often, until vegetables are softened and cooked through. Season with kosher salt, oregano, and sweet paprika. Set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella. Mix well, adding a drizzle of olive oil if needed to smooth the mixture.
5. Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add half of the marinara sauce along with the reserved 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with sauce. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese filling, leaving some pockets of cheese intact for texture.
6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 1/2” x 13” casserole dish. Add half of the sauced pasta, then layer the sautéed vegetables and torn basil evenly over it. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded mozzarella over the veggies. Add the remaining pasta, then spread the remaining marinara sauce on top. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Place the casserole dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

How to Serve Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

Serve this delicious baked ziti with a crisp green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables also pairs well to enhance the flavors. For an extra touch, consider serving it with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

How to Store Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer the ziti to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick option. If you wish to freeze it, let it cool completely, cover tightly, and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Expert Tips for Cooking Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

• Always reserve pasta cooking water; it helps bind the sauce and pasta together for a creamier consistency.
• For added flavor, consider roasting your vegetables before mixing them in; this enhances their caramelization and depth of flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses in the filling or on top for variety—try goat cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.

Delicious Variations of Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables for a kick!
• Herbed: Incorporate a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost.
• Citrus: Add zest and juice from a lemon or orange to the ricotta mixture for a fresh and zesty flavor profile.

Indulge in the comforting and flavorful experience of the Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that highlights the beauty of simple ingredients while bringing joy to your dining table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this baked ziti will surely leave everyone wanting more!

Vegetarian Baked Ziti

A comforting and delicious baked ziti packed with vibrant vegetables and rich marinara, perfect for both vegetarians and meat lovers.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 360

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 3/4 lb Ziti or Penne pasta
• 6 cups quality marinara sauce store-bought is fine

Vegetables

• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 2 small zucchini, diced
• 1 piece bell pepper (orange or red), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dry oregano
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika

Cheese

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (part-skim recommended)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1/4 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping
• 6 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided 3 tbsp for filling, remainder for assembling and topping

Miscellaneous

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil recommended
• fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped about 10 leaves

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta.

Cooking

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for about 3 minutes.
2. Add diced zucchini, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Season with kosher salt, oregano, and sweet paprika. Set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella. Mix well.
5. Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add half of the marinara sauce and the reserved pasta cooking water. Stir to coat the pasta.
6. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese filling.

Assembly

1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish.
2. Add half of the sauced pasta, then the sautéed vegetables and torn basil. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded mozzarella over the veggies.
3. Add the remaining pasta and spread the remaining marinara sauce on top. Finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Baking

1. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes.
2. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Serve with a salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. Optionally, freeze for up to three months.