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–+ servings
Meatless Baked Ziti garnished with basil

Loaded Meatless Baked Ziti

5 from 5 votes
Marley Goldin
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This Loaded Meatless Baked Ziti is packed with vegetables, making it hearty and nutritious. It's easy to make and extra cheesy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 8 ounces baby bella or white button mushrooms* (see below for suggested alternatives)
  • 1 large zucchini**
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups spinach or other greens
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 16 ounces ziti
  • 24 ounces marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 15 ounces whole or part-skim ricotta
  • 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and cook ziti al dente according to the directions on the box.
  • Prep your vegetables by dicing the zucchini and onion, slicing the mushrooms, and mincing the garlic.
  • Add the prepped veggies to a large saucepan or pot with spinach, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook over high heat until the liquid from the veggies releases and the onion turns translucent (10-15 minutes).
  • Add the marinara sauce to the saucepan and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta.
  • Add your cooked pasta to the veggie-packed sauce and stir to coat. Transfer the ziti and sauce to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  • Layer the shredded Italian cheese blend on top, completely covering the ziti with cheese.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top layer of cheese is completely melted and starts to brown. Option to garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • If you're not a fan of mushrooms you can easily sub in any other vegetable like peppers, eggplant, or even fresh tomatoes.
  • You can use yellow squash, butternut squash, or summer squash in place of zucchini. Or leave it out entirely!
  • Reducing your meat consumption significantly reduces your carbon footprint. Be kind to the planet (as well as your tastebuds!) with more of these delicious meatless pasta meals.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Baked Ziti, Easy, Family Dinner, Meatless, Pasta, Vegetarian, Waste Reduction
Did you make this recipe?Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @marleysmenu on Instagram.