Vegetarian Baked Ziti

This hearty and comforting Vegetarian Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Tender ziti pasta is tossed in a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then layered with a rich marinara sauce brimming with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Spiced with oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is baked to perfection with a bubbling, golden topping of melted cheese. Quick to prep and ideal for feeding a hungry group, this meatless spin on a classic Italian-American favorite is easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and sure to satisfy vegetarians and omnivores alike. Serve with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 8 ounces mushrooms
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Step 7

Add cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and toss until fully incorporated.

Step 8

Spread a thin layer of the vegetable sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta and cheese mixture over the sauce.

Step 9

Pour half of the remaining vegetable sauce over the pasta layer.

Step 10

Add the remaining pasta and cheese mixture, then top with the rest of the vegetable sauce.

Step 11

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti.

Step 12

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 13

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 14

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Vegetarian Baked Ziti!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2256.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3355.2

Total Fat 154.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Cholesterol 442.2mg	0%
Sodium 6044.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 348.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 47.3g
Protein 167.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3908.2mg	0%
Iron 21.9mg	0%
Potassium 2654.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.2%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 40.4%