Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti
Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti is a comforting and vibrant dish that beautifully combines creamy cheese, savory marinara, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This hearty casserole is not only satisfying but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With its colorful layers and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté olive oil with bell peppers and mushrooms for about 5 minutes. Add spinach last until wilted.
- In a bowl, combine cooked ziti, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, cottage cheese, and half of the mozzarella; mix well.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the mixture, top with remaining marinara sauce, then add the rest of the ziti mixture. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg