Baked Ziti Recipe Vegetarian Easy
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Description
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. This vegetarian version swaps out the meat for a combination of sautéed vegetables and three different types of cheese, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.Prep Time
Preparation for this recipe takes approximately 20 minutes.Cook Time
The cook time for this baked ziti recipe is approximately 35 minutes.Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the large pot. Add the vegetable sauce to the pot and stir until the pasta is coated.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. You can also mix in some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.Nutrition Info
This recipe serves 8 and each serving contains approximately:- Calories: 453
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 742mg
- Sugar: 8g
Recipes FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the baked ziti for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.What can I serve with this recipe?
Baked ziti pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread.Recipe Tips
- Be sure to salt the pasta water well to add flavor to the dish.
- Use good quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set up.
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