Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

Vegetarian Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that is hearty, filling, and satisfying. This dish is perfect for those meat-free nights or for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. The combination of ziti pasta, marinara sauce, a blend of cheeses, and an assortment of vegetables makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a vegetarian or just a fan of delicious Italian cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

What sets this Vegetarian Baked Ziti apart is the rich and flavorful marinara sauce that ties everything together. The sauce is made from scratch using a combination of diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. It's simmered on the stove until it becomes thick and fragrant, creating a robust base for the ziti and vegetables.

One of the best parts of this recipe is the variety of vegetables used. Zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach are sautéed until tender and then added to the marinara sauce. The vegetables not only add color and texture to the dish but also provide a boost of nutrients and fiber. This dish is a great way to sneak in some extra servings of vegetables for those who are picky eaters.

Of course, what's a baked ziti without cheese? A combination of mozzarella and ricotta cheese is layered between the ziti and vegetables, creating a creamy and indulgent texture. The cheese melts and bubbles in the oven, creating a golden-brown crust that is irresistible. The cheesy goodness is what makes this recipe truly comforting and satisfying.

Vegetarian Baked Ziti is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course for a family dinner, a potluck dish for gatherings, or even as leftovers for lunch the next day. It's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. So, whether you're a vegetarian, a cheese lover, or just a fan of delicious pasta, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

cooking spray
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cubed eggplant
2 cups cubed zucchini
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, cubed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (15 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
½ cup non-dairy Parmesan cheese substitute
1 (16 ounce) package sliced fresh mozzarella cheese

Information

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 12
Yield: 12 servings

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and salt; stir to combined.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water.

Mix spaghetti sauce and diced tomatoes together in a medium bowl.

Spread 1/3 of the sauce mixture in the bottom of the prepared casserole. Layer ingredients as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2 of the vegetable mixture, 1/2 of the Parmesan substitute, 1/2 of the mozzarella slices, 1/2 of the remaining sauce, all of the remaining ziti, all of the remaining vegetables, all of the remaining Parmesan substitute, and all of the remaining sauce. Set remaining mozzarella slices aside.

Cover loosely and bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, uncover, and top with remaining mozzarella slices. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted and slightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes longer.

Nutrition

389 cal.

Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 26mg
Sodium: 867mg
Total Carbohydrate: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Total Sugars: 11g
Protein: 19g
Vitamin C: 26mg
Calcium: 348mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 595mg

How to Make Vegetarian Baked Ziti - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

389 cal.

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