Healthy Baked Ziti: 40-Minute Comfort Food Magic
A healthier version of classic baked ziti, packed with vegetables and whole wheat pasta for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz whole wheat ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta with vegetable sauce mixture.
- Spread half the pasta mixture in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta layer.
- Add remaining pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute any vegetables you prefer.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based cheeses.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.