Vegan Baked Ziti

Vegan Baked Ziti is a hearty, comforting dish featuring al dente pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by creamy vegan ricotta and topped with melting vegan cheese. This plant-based version is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Crushed tomatoes - 400 grams (1 can)
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Spinach - 100 grams, fresh
• Vegan ricotta - 150 grams
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons
• Vegan mozzarella cheese - 100 grams, shredded
• Fresh basil - for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then 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 is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan ricotta and nutritional yeast, stirring until well mixed.
7. In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the tomato sauce mixture, and dollops of the vegan ricotta. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, tomato sauce, and top with shredded vegan mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from vegan ricotta and spinach.
• Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and fresh basil.

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