Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with vegetables and cheeses, this dish offers a satisfying meatless option without compromising on taste.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, it's easy to whip up this delicious meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The rich combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit among family and friends.
- Nutritious: Incorporating spinach and mushrooms adds vitamins and minerals, enhancing the nutritional value.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ (8-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
- ½ (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped spinach and sliced mushrooms until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Combine Cheeses and Sauce: Add ricotta cheese, crumbled goat cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella to the pasta mixture. Mix thoroughly. Stir in the spaghetti sauce until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until bubbly and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute goat cheese with feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version.
- Whole-Grain Pasta: Use whole-grain ziti to increase fiber content and add a nutty flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, cover the cooled dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If refrigerated, bake covered for about 20 minutes; if frozen, bake covered for about 1 hour, or until heated through.
FAQs
What can I use instead of ziti pasta?
Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes if ziti is unavailable.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure the spaghetti sauce is gluten-free.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt can be used as alternatives.
How can I add protein to this meatless dish?
Incorporate plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas, or add tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking.
What type of spaghetti sauce works best?
A marinara sauce made with red wine adds depth of flavor, but any preferred spaghetti sauce will work.
Can I omit the goat cheese?
Yes, you can replace it with additional mozzarella or another cheese of your choice.
How do I reheat individual portions?
Microwave individual servings on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
What side dishes pair well with this baked ziti?
A fresh green salad and garlic bread complement this dish nicely.
Conclusion
This Delicious Meatless Baked Ziti is a versatile and comforting dish that's easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, its rich flavors and creamy textures make it a standout meal. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to make it your own!
Delicious Meatless Baked Ziti
This elegant meatless baked ziti combines tender pasta, fresh spinach, mushrooms, and a trio of cheeses for a hearty and flavorful dish. Perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ (8-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
- ½ (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil lightly salted water, cook ziti until al dente (about 8 minutes), then drain.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté spinach and mushrooms until softened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and mix with pasta.
- Combine Cheeses and Sauce: Add ricotta, goat cheese, and half the mozzarella to pasta. Mix well. Stir in spaghetti sauce.
- Assemble: Transfer to baking dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes until bubbly and melted.
Notes
- Substitute penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
- Use whole-grain pasta for extra fiber.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
