Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with this mouthwatering Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables - a dish that promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! Imagine perfectly roasted vegetables, al dente pasta, and gooey melted mozzarella coming together in one irresistible casserole that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with the simplicity of home cooking.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup eggplant, diced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting vegetables.
- Wash and prepare the vegetables: slice zucchini into half-moon shapes, chop bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and dice the eggplant into uniform cubes.
- Toss the prepared vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned vegetables on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
- While vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Vegetable Roasting Secrets: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even roasting. This helps achieve that perfect caramelization without burning.
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta in your final dish.
- Cheese Selection: While mozzarella is classic, try mixing in some Parmesan for extra depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Mushrooms, red onions, or cherry tomatoes work wonderfully.
- Moisture Control: If your marinara sauce is very watery, drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Garnish Game: Fresh basil or parsley added just before serving can elevate the dish's flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
