Description

Craving a comforting pasta dish that’s meat-free, wholesome, and bursting with flavor? Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti combines tender ziti, vibrant roasted vegetables, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella for a protein-rich, veggie-loaded twist on the classic

Ingredients

Scale

Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful, cheesy dish. Here’s what you’ll need for 6-8 servings:

8 oz. box ziti or penne pasta (dry): Provides the hearty pasta base.
4 cups pasta sauce: Forms the rich, tomatoey foundation.
1 medium red bell pepper: Adds sweet, vibrant flavor.
10 oz. mushrooms: Brings earthy, meaty texture.
1 small zucchini: Adds nutrition and subtle flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For roasting vegetables.
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (small curd): Provides creamy texture and protein.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella: Creates a melty, cheesy topping.
½ cup grated Parmesan: Adds nutty, umami richness.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances Italian flavor.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances flavors.
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cottage Cheese: Boosts protein and adds creaminess with less fat than ricotta.
Roasted Vegetables: Bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini add flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Pasta Sauce: Provides a robust base that ties the dish together.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: Deliver the classic cheesy, bubbly topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Pasta: Swap ziti or penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta.
Cottage Cheese: Substitute with ricotta, Greek yogurt, or plant-based ricotta for a vegan option.
Vegetables: Replace with eggplant, spinach, or broccoli for different veggie flavors.
Pasta Sauce: Use marinara, arrabbiata, or homemade tomato sauce; adjust quantity for saucier ziti.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based pasta, vegan cottage cheese or ricotta, vegan mozzarella, vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast, and ensure sauce is vegan.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure sauce and cheeses are gluten-free.
Spicy Ziti: Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce or add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the vegetables.
Cheesy Boost: Increase mozzarella to 2 cups or add ¼ cup shredded provolone.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 8 oz. ziti or penne pasta, 4 cups pasta sauce, 1 medium red bell pepper, 10 oz. mushrooms, 1 small zucchini, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh basil (optional).
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Chop the red bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces.

Tip: Use small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture; drain if watery to avoid a soggy casserole.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Cook 8 oz. ziti or penne pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes).
Drain the pasta and set aside.

Tip: Undercook pasta slightly (by 1-2 minutes) as it will cook further in the oven.

Step 3: Roast Vegetables

Place the chopped red bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Toss to coat and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
Remove from the oven and set vegetables aside, keeping the casserole dish for assembly.

Tip: Roast until just tender to maintain texture; drain any excess liquid to prevent a watery casserole.

Step 4: Assemble Ziti

In the same casserole dish, layer half of each ingredient as follows:
- Spread 2 cups pasta sauce over the bottom of the dish.
- Add half the cooked pasta (about 2 cups).
- Scatter half the roasted vegetables (bell pepper, mushrooms, zucchini).
- Dollop half the cottage cheese (¼ cup) in small spoonfuls.
- Sprinkle with half the mozzarella (¾ cup).
Repeat the layers: 2 cups pasta sauce, remaining pasta, remaining vegetables, remaining cottage cheese (¼ cup), and remaining mozzarella (¾ cup).
Top with ½ cup grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves, if using.

Tip: Spread layers evenly for consistent flavor; press gently to compact slightly.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the casserole, uncovered, at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes on low, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve

Let the ziti cool for 5 minutes to set.
Slice or scoop into 6-8 portions and serve warm, optionally garnished with extra fresh basil.

Tip: Cooling slightly makes serving easier and enhances flavor melding.