Description
This delicious meatless baked ziti is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender ziti pasta mixed with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, creamy ricotta and goat cheeses, and melty mozzarella, all baked in a flavorful spaghetti sauce. Perfect for a hearty vegetarian dinner that can feed a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 (16-ounce) package ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ (8-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
Cheeses
- 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
- ½ (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped spinach and sliced mushrooms, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant. Add this vegetable mixture to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Mix Cheeses & Sauce: Into the bowl with pasta and vegetables, add the ricotta cheese, crumbled goat cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir all ingredients gently but thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble & Bake: Transfer the combined pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Place the dish in the oven, baking uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute ziti pasta with penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables.
- To make it vegan, use plant-based cheeses and a tomato-based sauce without animal products.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to firm up for easier serving.
