This elegant meatless baked ziti combines tender pasta with fresh spinach, mushrooms, and a trio of cheeses, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that's sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with vegetables and cheeses, this dish offers a satisfying meatless meal.
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 45 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a hit at family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ (8-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
- ½ (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped spinach and sliced mushrooms until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Mix Cheeses and Sauce: To the pasta and vegetables, add ricotta cheese, goat cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix thoroughly. Stir in the spaghetti sauce until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until bubbly and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 12 servings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Mix in red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce to give the dish a kick.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute goat cheese with feta or use a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for baked ziti?
Ziti pasta is traditional, but penne or rigatoni are good substitutes if ziti is unavailable.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Is it possible to freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. After assembling, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your spaghetti sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, adding cooked ground turkey, beef, or sausage can enhance the protein content.
How do I prevent the dish from drying out?
Ensure the pasta is adequately coated with sauce, and cover the dish with foil during baking if you notice the top browning too quickly.
What side dishes pair well with baked ziti?
A fresh green salad and garlic bread complement this dish nicely.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of jarred sauce?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be cooked down into a sauce, though it will increase preparation time.
How do I know when the baked ziti is done?
The dish is ready when it's bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Conclusion
This meatless baked ziti is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal plan. Its combination of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and rich cheeses makes it a comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it's a recipe that delivers on both flavor and satisfaction.
Delicious Meatless Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious meatless baked ziti is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Made with tender ziti pasta, fresh spinach, mushrooms, and a rich trio of cheeses, it's an easy, cheesy, and flavorful dinner that comes together in just 45 minutes. Whether for a weeknight meal or a family gathering, this baked ziti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ (8-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
- ½ (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook ziti until al dente (about 8 minutes), drain, and transfer to a large bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté spinach and mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add to the bowl with pasta.
- Mix Cheeses & Sauce: Add ricotta, goat cheese, and half of the mozzarella to the pasta. Stir in the spaghetti sauce until combined.
- Assemble & Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Variations: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for extra nutrition. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Make-Ahead & Freezing: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. To freeze, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
