Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. It combines pasta, cheese, and roasted vegetables in a delicious way. This meal is perfect for feeding a group or enjoying as leftovers. With its cheesy goodness and nutritious veggies, everyone will love it!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables for many reasons. First, it is easy to make. The steps are simple, and you don’t need fancy cooking skills. Second, it allows you to use fresh vegetables that add flavor and nutrients. Roasting the vegetables makes them taste sweet and tender. Third, this dish is filling and satisfying. It is a great option for a family dinner or a potluck. Finally, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. You can add more vegetables or different types of cheese. It’s a perfect recipe to keep in your rotation for busy nights or lazy weekends.

HOW TO MAKE BAKED ZITI WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Making Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables is a fun and rewarding experience. You can follow these simple steps to create a dish that everyone will enjoy.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this delicious meal, you will need a few pieces of equipment:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• 2 large, rimmed baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• 9 by 13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon for mixing
• Oven mitts

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into wedges about ½ inch wide
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt, divided
• 8 ounces ziti, rigatoni, or penne pasta
• 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought), divided
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
• 8 ounces grated part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 cups cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, divided

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Now let’s go through the steps to make this tasty dish.

1. To roast the veggies: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the racks are in the middle and upper third of the oven.
2. Prepare the baking sheets: Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the vegetables from sticking.
3. Arrange the vegetables: Place the cauliflower florets on one sheet. On the other, combine the bell peppers and onion.
4. Add oil and salt: Drizzle half of the olive oil over each pan. Sprinkle with salt. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly with oil and salt. Spread them out in a single layer.
5. Roast the vegetables: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Make sure to swap the sheets halfway through. The veggies should be tender and caramelized.
6. Cook the pasta: While the vegetables roast, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until it is al dente.
7. Combine pasta with sauce: When the pasta is ready, drain it and return it to the pot. Add 2 cups of marinara sauce, chopped basil, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese to the pasta. Stir well to combine.
8. Layer the dish: In a 9 by 13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, add half of the pasta mixture. Layer in the roasted cauliflower, then dollop with 1 cup of cottage cheese.
9. Repeat layers: Add the remaining pasta on top of the cottage cheese. Then layer the roasted bell peppers and onion. Next, add the remaining cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
10. Bake the ziti: Bake uncovered on a rimmed baking sheet for 30 minutes. Transfer the dish to the upper rack for the last 2 to 5 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
11. Cool and serve: Take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Top with extra basil, slice into servings, and enjoy!

 

HOW TO SERVE BAKED ZITI WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables is best served warm. You can enjoy it straight from the oven. For an extra touch, serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great side dish. You can also add some parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

STORAGE & FREEZING: BAKED ZITI WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

If you have leftovers, it is easy to store them. Let the ziti cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.

To freeze the Baked Ziti, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and then put it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

When serving Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables, you can try these suggestions:

• Add a salad: A fresh salad with greens can balance the dish’s richness.
• Offer garlic bread: Toasted garlic bread is great for soaking up extra sauce.
• Include dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert, like fruit or cookies.

You can also serve it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water for a complete dining experience.

VARIATIONS

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables is versatile, and you can change it up to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

• Add meat: You can mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey for a protein boost.
• Use different cheeses: Swap mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
• Try different veggies: Feel free to use other vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
   Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works well for this recipe! Just pick your favorite brand.
2. How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
   The pasta should be firm to the bite but cooked through. Follow the package instructions for time, but start checking a minute or two early.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta, and this dish can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Is it possible to have this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute to make it dairy-free.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR BAKED ZITI WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

You can prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. Here are some tips:

• Prep the veggies: You can roast the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day.
• Cook the pasta earlier: Cook the pasta and let it cool. Store it in a container until you are ready to combine it.
• Assemble and refrigerate: You can fully assemble the ziti without baking it. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

With these tips, you can have a delicious meal ready without much effort on the day you serve it. Enjoy your Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables!

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