Introduction:

Vegetarian Baked Ziti is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up some satisfying comfort food. This easy-to-make veggie Ziti casserole is a crowd-pleaser that has all the flavors of a traditional baked ziti but with the added benefit of being meat-free and packed with nutritious vegetables. In this article, we will show you how to create the best vegetarian baked ziti recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ziti pasta

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 onion, chopped

– 1 bell pepper, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 cups marinara sauce

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

– 2 cups ricotta cheese

– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook for about five minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly golden.

4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

5. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld.

6. Add the chopped spinach or kale to the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the greens are wilted.

7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the vegetable mixture, making sure all of the pasta is coated in sauce.

8. Spread half of the ziti mixture in the prepared baking dish, then spoon half of the ricotta cheese on top, distributing it evenly. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.

9. Layer the remaining ziti mixture on top of the cheeses, followed by dollops of the remaining ricotta cheese and finishing with the rest of the shredded mozzarella.

10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella.

11. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 20 minutes in your preheated oven. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

12. Remove your vegetarian baked ziti from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit so that it’s easier to serve.

Conclusion:

With this delicious and easy vegetarian baked ziti recipe at your fingertips, you can provide your family with a tasty and nourishing meal without sacrificing flavor. Serve alongside a green salad or some crusty garlic bread for an unforgettable meal everyone will enjoy. So go ahead – give this veggie-packed Ziti casserole a try and experience a meat-free take on a classic dish you’ll love!