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
