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Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti

Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti: Comforting & Flavor-Packed Dish

Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is a comforting masterpiece, melding vibrant veggies with gooey cheese for a nourishing dish that's a true crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 ounces Ziti Pasta Can substitute with penne or fusilli
For the Sauté
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced Can substitute with yellow or orange bell pepper
  • 1 whole Green Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 whole Zucchini, sliced
  • 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cups Spinach, leaves
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Can substitute with Italian seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper To taste
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought
For the Cheesy Layers
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with Pecorino
For Garnishing
  • Fresh Basil Leaves For garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add red and green bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, sauté for about 7-10 minutes until tender.
  4. Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
  5. Combine the warm ziti pasta with the sautéed vegetable mixture and marinara sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
  6. Layer half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ziti mixture and cheeses.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and is golden brown.
  9. Cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked sausage or shredded chicken to the veggie mix. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.

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