Vegetable Baked Ziti

Vegetable Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish loaded with vibrant vegetables and baked to perfection. This Halal version offers a satisfying meal that's perfect for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced
• Spinach - 100 grams, fresh
• Marinara sauce - 400 grams
• Ricotta cheese - 100 grams
• Mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh basil - a few leaves, for garnish

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 olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well until evenly combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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