This vegetable packed vegetarian Baked Ziti is the ultimate weeknight dinner. With sautéed veggies and spinach ricotta, it's a healthy comfort food you'll feel good about diving into.
Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add a generous spoon of salt (it should taste like ocean water). Add 1 lb uncooked ziti pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package, until al dente. When finished, drain and set aside.
Veggie Sauce: Prep all veggies (1 zucchini, 1 eggplant, 1 bell pepper, and 1 cup diced white onion), finely dicing them so they're about the same size. Add 2 Tbsp olive oil to a large saute pan or pot over medium heat. Add zucchini, eggplant, pepper, onion, and 3 cloves garlic, cooking until they're slightly softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 2 24-oz bottles marinara sauce¼ cup chopped fresh basil1 tsp oregano, and ¼ tsp salt to the veggie sauce, cover, and let gently simmer for 15 minutes.
Ricotta Mixture: Stir together 1 15-oz package ricotta cheese, 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed) and ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese.
Cheese: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese.
Assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In into a large casserole dish (9×13 inch or similar) you'll layer:½ of the veggie sauce > ½ of the cooked pasta > ½ of the ricotta mixture > ½ of the cheesethen repeat that:remaining veggie sauce > remaining cooked pasta > remaining ricotta mixture > remaining cheese
Baked: For about 30 minutes, or until cheese is golden and melted and sauce is bubbling around the outside. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
Make ahead by either making the components and storing them separately, or assembling and sealing tightly. Can be prepped 24 hours in advance.
Can be frozen to be baked later. Freeze prepared ziti for up to a month. When ready to cook, allow the ziti to thaw in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.