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Meatless Baked Ziti with Vegetables Recipe

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4.3 from 74 reviews

This vegetarian baked ziti features a rich, veggie-loaded tomato sauce combined with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, comforting dish packed with fresh vegetables and perfect for serving a crowd or family dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetable Sauce

  • 5 cups tomato sauce – jarred or homemade
  • 1 carrot – chopped into small pieces
  • 2 stalks celery – chopped into small pieces
  • 1 yellow onion – diced
  • 2 cups finely chopped lacinato kale (about 10 leaves)
  • 2 cloves garlic – minced

Pasta and Cheese

  • 16 ounces dried ziti
  • 16 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg – lightly beaten
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and chop the carrots, celery, onion, kale, and garlic as directed. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get out a 13×9 inch baking dish for later use.
  2. Cook Vegetable Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into a large pot or saucepan. Add the chopped carrot, celery, onion, kale, and minced garlic. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and meld into the sauce. Remove from heat once done.
  3. Cook Ziti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried ziti and cook for 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions indicate to keep it slightly firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and rinse the pasta to stop cooking.
  4. Mix Cheese and Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup parmesan cheese, and the lightly beaten egg. Add the drained ziti and thoroughly mix to coat the pasta in the cheese mixture.
  5. Assemble the Baked Ziti: Spread half of the vegetable tomato sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the ziti and cheese mixture evenly over the sauce. Pour the remaining tomato sauce on top, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the dish.
  6. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley, then cut into portions and serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Cooking the pasta slightly under done ensures it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
  • You can substitute kale with spinach or other leafy greens if preferred.
  • Use fresh tomato sauce if available for an even brighter flavor.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • For a vegan version, substitute ricotta and cheeses with plant-based alternatives.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/meatless-baked-ziti-with-vegetables-recipe/