Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, look no further than this delicious Vegetarian Baked Ziti recipe. Packed with flavorful ingredients, this dish serves as an excellent vegetarian alternative to traditional baked ziti, making it a hit with both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Ingredients:

To create this delightful vegetarian baked ziti, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, followed by the diced zucchini and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add mushrooms and spinach to the skillet and cook until the spinach wilts, around 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sautéed vegetables, ricotta cheese, and a cup of marinara sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6. Spread half of the ziti mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese layer, then add the rest of the ziti and top with the remaining cheeses.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

This Vegetarian Baked Ziti recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers a whole lot of flavor in every bite. Perfect for meal prep or gatherings, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheese types!