If you're looking for a cozy and comforting recipe to make this spring, then you're going to love my Baked Ziti with Spring Vegetables. This creamy, high-protein pasta dish is loaded with tender cooked spring veggies (such as zucchini, summer squash, and tomatoes), a medley of three different cheeses, and is baked to perfection. The result? A pasta that is soft on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside, and is perfect for prepping ahead!
Equipment
- Baking Dish a deep baking dish is perfect for preparing the ziti!
Ingredients
- 1 12 Ounce Box Penne Pasta
- 2 Zucchini sliced into 1/2 inch coins or moons
- 2 Summer Squash sliced into 1/2 inch coins or moons
- 1 Pint Baby Tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 Cups Cottage Cheese
- ¾ Cup Parmigiano Reggiano freshly grated
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- ½ Cup Basil finely chopped
- 2 32 Ounce Jar Marinara Sauce
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
Instructions
- To make this ziti, start by preparing the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Once the pasta is done, drain the water from it and set it aside.
- Next, turn the oven broiler onto high and place a baking rack six inches from the top of the oven.
- Then, while the oven is heating, wash and chop the zucchini, summer squash and tomatoes. Line a baking sheet with foil and add the chopped veggies on top of it.
- Add the olive oil, kosher salt, and Italian seasoning to the veggies and toss to fully combine.
- Then, transfer them to the oven and allow them to broil for 10 minutes, until they're roasted and tender. Be sure to watch them carefully, so that they don't burn.
- Once the veggies are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool.
- Next, in a small bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, grated parmigiano reggiano, red wine vinegar, basil and olive oil, and set it aside.
- Then, add the cooked pasta to a large bowl and toss it with the marinara sauce and cooked spring veggies.
- Assembled the ziti. Layer half the pasta at the bottom of a baking dish, then top it with half of the cheese mixture. Then, layer the remaining half of the pasta on top, followed by the remaining cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
- Then, transfer the baking dish with the ziti into the oven and allow it to bake for 25 minutes. Once the 25 minutes are up, turn the broil on for the last 2 minutes, until the top of the baked ziti is golden and crunchy.
- Once the ziti is done, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!
Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 953mg | Potassium: 654mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1349IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 382mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?
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in your posts and I’ll re-share!
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