Description
This Meatless Baked Ziti with Vegetables is a comforting and hearty vegetarian pasta dish featuring a rich tomato sauce loaded with chopped carrot, celery, onion, kale, and garlic. Ziti pasta is combined with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Mixture
- 16 ounces dried ziti
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (divided)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and preheat oven: Chop all vegetables as directed and gather all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish.
- Cook the vegetable tomato sauce: In a pot or large saucepan, pour in the tomato sauce and add the chopped carrot, celery, onion, kale, and minced garlic. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently until vegetables are softened and fragrant. Remove from heat once done.
- Cook the ziti pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried ziti and cook 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions to keep pasta firm, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and rinse with warm water to stop cooking.
- Mix the cheese and egg mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of shredded parmesan, and the lightly beaten egg. Stir until well blended.
- Combine pasta with cheese mixture: Add the cooked ziti to the cheese mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all pasta evenly with the creamy blend.
- Assemble the baked ziti: Spread half of the vegetable tomato sauce evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon the pasta and cheese mixture on top of the sauce layer, spreading it out with a spatula. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta layer, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
- Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before cutting into portions and serving. Enjoy your flavorful vegetarian meal!
Notes
- This baked ziti recipe is vegetarian and packed with nutritious vegetables for added flavor and health benefits.
- You can use either jarred or homemade tomato sauce based on convenience and preference.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta and high-quality cheeses.
- Allowing the pasta to undercook slightly ensures it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 504 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 995 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg
