Vegan Baked Ziti

Vegan Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting dish that combines pasta with a rich tomato sauce, plant-based cheese, and Mediterranean flavors. This delightful vegan twist on the classic dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced
• Spinach - 100 grams, fresh
• Crushed tomatoes - 400 grams (1 can)
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Nutritional yeast - 4 tablespoons
• Vegan mozzarella cheese - 100 grams, shredded
• Fresh parsley - for garnish, chopped

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the ziti pasta 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, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors combine.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, tomato mixture, and nutritional yeast. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
8. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle half of the vegan mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from nutritional yeast and vegetables.
• High in fiber from whole food ingredients, promoting digestive health.

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