Description
This delicious meatless baked ziti features tender cooked pasta tossed with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, creamy ricotta and goat cheeses, and rich spaghetti sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection with melted mozzarella on top. A hearty and comforting vegetarian casserole perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) package ziti pasta
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ (8-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
Cheeses
- 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
- ½ (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for baking the ziti later.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped spinach and sliced mushrooms, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until tender. Once cooked, add the vegetables to the bowl with the drained pasta.
- Mix Cheeses & Sauce: Add the ricotta cheese, crumbled goat cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the pasta and vegetables. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble & Bake: Transfer the mixed pasta, vegetable, and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding minced garlic to the vegetables while sautéing.
- You can substitute zucchini or bell peppers in place of spinach and mushrooms.
- To make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
