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Melted Zucchini Baked Ziti Recipe

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3.8 from 48 reviews

This Melted Zucchini Baked Ziti is a comforting, flavorful baked pasta dish featuring tender zucchini sautéed with garlic and spices, tossed with ziti pasta, fresh basil pesto, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect vegetarian meal that’s hearty and delicious.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta (or similar cut noodle)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

Zucchini Mixture

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 4 medium zucchini squash, sliced into rounds or chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons pesto
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil, plus extra for topping

Cheeses

  • 12 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the noodles.
  2. Sauté the Zucchini: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the zucchini slices, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook, stirring often, until the zucchini softens and melts down into the pan, creating a flavorful base. Mix in the crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the reserved pasta water and pesto into the skillet with the zucchini. Add the fresh basil and stir to blend the flavors. If the skillet is large enough, add the drained pasta directly to it; otherwise, transfer everything into a baking dish. Toss the pasta well with the zucchini pesto mixture to coat evenly.
  4. Add Cheeses: Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese throughout the pasta and gently toss to coat most of the noodles with creamy ricotta. Next, add the sliced fresh mozzarella, scattering a few slices within the pasta and some on top to create a cheesy layer.
  5. Bake and Serve: Place the dish or skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheeses melt and everything comes together wonderfully. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil for a bright finish.

Notes

  • Reserving pasta water helps loosen the zucchini sauce and helps it cling to the noodles.
  • For best flavor, use fresh basil pesto or homemade pesto if possible.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to reduce transfer and cleanup, but a baking dish works fine too.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/melted-zucchini-baked-ziti-recipe/