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Baked ziti pasta casserole with melted cheese, fresh basil, and tomato sauce in a white baking dish.

Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Close-up of a man with short hair and beard, wearing a gray t-shirt, indoors with natural lighting.Gavin Crisp
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course pasta
Cuisine American, vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 235 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz. ziti pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 10 oz. tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1 red bell pepper cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves chopped
  • pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and save 1/2 cup of the cooking water
    Cooked pasta draining in a fine mesh strainer for homemade baked pasta dishes.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced bell pepper and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the tomato sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.
    Chopped red bell peppers and garlic cooking in a skillet on marble countertop.
  • In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella cheese and mix well.
    Creamy cheese dip with grated cheese and shredded cheese, cheese block, and cheese grater on marble surface.
  • Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the tomato sauce and reserved pasta water. Mix together until well combined.
    Creamy tomato pasta dish in a black skillet with a wooden spoon.
  • To assemble the baked ziti, start by layering the pasta in a baking dish, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Add more pasta and top with the reserved shredded mozzarella cheese.
    Pasta with tomato sauce and ricotta cheese in a white dish.
  • Bake the vegetarian ziti at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
    Cheesy baked pasta casserole with melted mozzarella and rich tomato sauce.
  • Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil.
    Cheese baked ziti in a white casserole dish with fresh basil garnish.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 540mgFiber: 3g
Keyword vegetarian baked ziti
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