Baked ziti has always been a comfort food staple in our home. But sometimes, even classic comfort food needs a little refresh. That’s where this Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables recipe comes into play. I first tried this variation when looking for a way to sneak more vegetables into our family dinners, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. The vibrant flavors of roasted vegetables meld beautifully with the cheesy, saucy goodness of baked ziti, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from anything green, devoured this. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables balanced the richness of the sauce perfectly. This recipe has become a regular feature on our dinner table, and I’m excited to share it with you so you can bring this delightful and veggie-packed twist to your own baked ziti tradition.

Ingredients

• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound. The classic choice for baked ziti, its tubular shape holds sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: ½ cup. Essential for roasting vegetables and adding richness to the sauce. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for best flavor and health benefits.
• Assorted Vegetables: 4 cups, chopped. Use a colorful mix such as bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), zucchini, eggplant, red onion, and mushrooms. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Adds aromatic depth to both the roasted vegetables and the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for its pungent flavor.
• Dried Italian Herbs: 2 tablespoons. A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme provides classic Italian flavor.
• Salt: 2 teaspoons, or to taste. Enhances the flavors of all ingredients. Kosher salt is recommended for its consistent grain size.
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a subtle spice and warmth. Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
• Marinara Sauce: 3 cups. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. Choose a good quality sauce for the best flavor base.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces. Adds creamy texture and richness to the ziti. Whole milk ricotta provides the best flavor and texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated. Adds salty, nutty flavor and creates a golden crust on top. Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. Melts beautifully and creates that classic cheesy pull in baked ziti. Part-skim mozzarella is a good option to reduce fat content while still achieving great melt.
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped (for garnish). Adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, wash and chop all your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces, roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Aim for pieces that are about 1-inch cubes or slices. Larger pieces may take longer to roast, while smaller pieces might burn. Consider the density of each vegetable when chopping; denser vegetables like eggplant might benefit from slightly smaller cuts than softer vegetables like zucchini.
2. Roast the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings for optimal roasting. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet or two baking sheets if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end, to prevent burning. The edges should be slightly browned and the vegetables should be easily pierced with a fork.
3. Cook the Ziti: While the vegetables are roasting, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian; the pasta should be cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy when baked. Drain the pasta well in a colander after cooking, ensuring no excess water remains.
4. Combine Roasted Vegetables and Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained ziti pasta with the roasted vegetables. Gently toss them together to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the pasta. The warmth of the pasta will help to further meld the flavors of the roasted vegetables and herbs.
5. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a separate large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese (reserve the other half for topping). Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the ricotta is smoothly incorporated into the sauce. This creamy sauce will be the heart of your baked ziti.
6. Assemble the Baked Ziti: Add the sauce mixture to the bowl with the pasta and roasted vegetables. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. You want every piece to be kissed with the flavorful sauce.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe casserole dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
8. Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. The mozzarella will melt into gooey perfection, while the Parmesan will create a beautiful golden crust.
9. Bake the Ziti: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you want the top to be even more browned, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
10. Rest and Garnish: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and the flavors to meld further. Garnish with fresh chopped basil just before serving for a pop of freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximately 8 servings per recipe)

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the 9×13 inch dish)
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal (depending on specific ingredients and portion size)
• Protein: 20-25g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes vegetable chopping and sauce mixing)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (roasting vegetables) + 20-25 minutes (baking ziti)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.

This Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables is a wonderfully manageable dish for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The roasting of the vegetables is the most time-consuming part of the preparation, but it’s largely hands-off once they are in the oven. You can even chop the vegetables ahead of time to further streamline the process. The active cooking time is relatively short, making it a practical and delicious meal to prepare.

How to Serve

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying spread. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Salad:
  • A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked ziti.
  • Consider adding some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives to your salad for extra flavor and texture.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:
  • Warm, crusty garlic bread or soft breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the ziti.
  • Brush them with garlic butter and toast them lightly in the oven for a delicious accompaniment.
• Caesar Salad:
  • A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing is another great salad option.
  • The slight bitterness of the romaine and the tangy dressing complement the baked ziti beautifully.
• Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans:
  • If you want to add even more vegetables to your meal, roasted asparagus or green beans are excellent choices.
  • Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them alongside the other vegetables or separately.
• Caprese Salad:
  • A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a light and flavorful Italian side dish.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Soup:
  • Pair your baked ziti with a light soup like minestrone or tomato soup for a comforting and satisfying meal, especially during colder months.
• Wine Pairing:
  • A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or Pinot Noir pairs well with baked ziti.
  • A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can also be a refreshing option.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

1. Vegetable Variety is Key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables! Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, butternut squash, or even sweet potatoes can be roasted and added to this ziti. The more variety, the more complex and interesting the flavors will be.
2. Roast Vegetables Properly: Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet for optimal roasting. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of roast. Caramelization is key for bringing out the best flavors.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its texture in the baked dish.
4. Use Quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is a crucial flavor component. Choose a good quality store-bought sauce or make your own from scratch for the best results. A flavorful sauce will elevate the entire dish.
5. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the roasted vegetables and the sauce mixture before assembling the ziti. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors. You may also want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
6. Make it Ahead: You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
7. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, Fontina, or even a smoked mozzarella can add interesting flavor variations. You can also use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
8. Add a Protein Boost (Optional for non-vegetarian): While this recipe is designed to be vegetarian, for those who want to add protein, consider incorporating cooked lentils, white beans, or chickpeas into the sauce mixture for a heartier vegetarian option. For non-vegetarian options, cooked Italian sausage or ground beef could be added.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

A: While fresh vegetables are recommended for the best flavor and texture when roasting, you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Roast them directly from frozen, but they may release more water, so roast them for a bit longer and ensure they are well-drained before adding to the ziti. Pre-roasting frozen vegetables helps to improve their texture and flavor compared to adding them directly to the sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses with vegan alternatives. There are many excellent vegan ricotta and mozzarella options available in most grocery stores. Nutritional yeast can also be used to add a cheesy flavor.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, simply use gluten-free ziti pasta. Most other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free if you are using a store-bought version.

Q4: How do I store leftover baked ziti?

A: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q5: How do I reheat leftover baked ziti?

A: You can reheat leftover baked ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For oven reheating, add a splash of water or marinara sauce to prevent it from drying out.

Q6: Can I freeze baked ziti?

A: Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q7: What if I don’t have ziti pasta? Can I use another type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can substitute ziti with other tubular pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even large elbow macaroni. Choose a pasta that has ridges or grooves to hold the sauce well.

Q8: Can I add meat to this recipe?

A: While this recipe is designed to be vegetarian, you can add cooked ground meat like beef or Italian sausage if you prefer. Brown and drain the meat and incorporate it into the sauce mixture before baking. However, for a truly delicious and satisfying meal, give the vegetarian version a try – you might be surprised at how much you love it!

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