Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian classic packed with fresh vegetables and rich cheeses. This vibrant, hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, combining tender pasta with a flavorful vegetable marinara and gooey melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 48 ounces marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, assorted colors, chopped
• 2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, drizzling with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until peppers soften but maintain some crispness and garlic is fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in chopped zucchini and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes until zucchini is tender and mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
6. Step 6: Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Season generously.
7. Step 7: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend flavors and thicken sauce slightly.
8. Step 8: In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with about ¾ of the vegetable marinara sauce, tossing gently to coat.
9. Step 9: Spread half of the sauced ziti in the prepared baking dish. Evenly dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
10. Step 10: Add the remaining ziti mixture as the next layer. Spread the remaining ricotta over this layer, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
11. Step 11: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, and the ziti is heated through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
12. Step 12: Let the baked ziti rest 10-15 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade marinara sauce for a richer flavor, or choose a high-quality jarred sauce for convenience.
• Try adding other vegetables like eggplant or kale for extra variety.
• For a spicy kick, increase red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option, though texture will differ slightly.
• To make it vegan, use plant-based cheeses and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of ziti?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other tubular or short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even large elbow macaroni. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the entire baked ziti assembly and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 128 reviews

Loaded Veggie Baked Ziti is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian pasta casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce loaded with sautéed fresh vegetables and layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheeses. This classic Italian-inspired dish delivers a comforting blend of textures and vibrant flavors, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound Ziti Pasta

Sauce & Cheese

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

Vegetables

• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 Bell Peppers (assorted colors), chopped
• 2 medium Zucchini, chopped
• 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
• 5 ounces Fresh Spinach, roughly chopped

Seasoning & Oil

• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 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 easy serving.
2. Cook the Ziti Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly and set aside, optionally drizzling with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add Garlic and Bell Peppers: Stir in minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until peppers soften slightly but remain crisp and garlic is fragrant without burning.
5. Incorporate Zucchini and Mushrooms: Add chopped zucchini and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until zucchini is tender and mushrooms release moisture and start browning. This step reduces excess moisture in the dish.
6. Stir in Spinach and Seasonings: Add roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Season generously to balance flavors.
7. Combine Vegetables with Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with vegetables. Stir well to coat all vegetables and simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
8. Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta with approximately three-quarters of the vegetable marinara sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
9. Layer the Ziti in the Baking Dish: Spread half of the sauced ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the ziti layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Add the Remaining Ziti and Toppings: Top with the remaining sauced ziti mixture. Spread the remaining ricotta cheese over this top layer, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over everything.
11. Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the dish is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
12. Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes to set and allow easier slicing and serving.

Notes

• Don’t overcook the pasta during boiling to prevent mushy texture after baking.
• Sautéing the vegetables thoroughly helps prevent a watery casserole by reducing excess moisture.
• Use fresh, good-quality cheeses for best flavor and melting properties.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of heat or omit for mild flavor.
• Letting the baked ziti rest before serving helps it set and enhances sliceability.

Keywords: baked ziti, vegetarian pasta casserole, ziti pasta recipe, Italian baked pasta, vegetable baked ziti, cheesy baked ziti, healthy pasta bake