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Savor the Delight of Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Savor the Delight of Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables, a comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines perfectly roasted seasonal vegetables, tender ziti pasta, and creamy cheeses baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This recipe is ideal for a satisfying family dinner or a cozy meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Vegetables

  • 4 cups assorted vegetables, chopped (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, red onion, mushrooms)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Sauces and Cheeses

  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and chop all your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even roasting.
  2. Roast Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized for maximum flavor.
  3. Cook Pasta: While vegetables are roasting, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta well to avoid sogginess in the bake.
  4. Toss Pasta and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the roasted vegetables. Gently toss to evenly distribute the vegetables throughout the pasta, ensuring each bite has a mix of flavors.
  5. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a separate large bowl, mix the marinara sauce with ricotta cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined, forming a creamy and flavorful sauce base.
  6. Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large baking dish, layer half of the pasta and vegetable mixture. Spread half of the sauce mixture over it and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a layered texture and flavor.
  7. Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving to add a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. Feel free to swap or add your favorites.
  • Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture after baking.
  • If preferred, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a vegan cheese alternative.
  • To reduce sodium, use a low-sodium marinara sauce and adjust added salt accordingly.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, roasted vegetables, Italian pasta bake, vegetarian pasta dish, cheesy baked ziti, healthy baked pasta

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/savor-the-delight-of-baked-ziti-with-roasted-vegetables-recipe/