Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that combines al dente ziti with a rich marinara sauce and layers of gooey mozzarella. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian lunch, it’s sure to please both pasta lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Bell pepper - 1, diced
• Mushrooms - 150 grams, sliced
• Spinach - 100 grams, fresh
• Marinara sauce - 400 grams
• Ricotta cheese - 100 grams
• Mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the diced bell pepper and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix until well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from vegetables, supporting digestive health.
• Provides protein and calcium from cheese, beneficial for bone health.

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