Cook: 30 I’ve been making this easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti recipe for YEARS and my family still asks for it all of the time! It’s one of our favorites and is truly the best 30-minute healthy dinner idea. Made with mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, cottage cheese, and delicious ziti pasta, this healthy and comforting meal is full of nutrition and cheesy goodness. Every bite is SO good!
Easy, healthy pasta recipes are recently my new go-to for weeknight dinners (have you tried The BEST Easy Healthy Lasagna Recipe? SO GOOD). Not only can they typically be made in 30 minutes or less, but I love that I can refrigerate the leftovers and have them throughout the week! Especially with a 6 almost 7 month old baby in our lives now. There’s no time for complicated dinners, so I’m all about quick and easy dinners right now. This Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe is a total lifesaver!
Watch this video tutorial on how to make this Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti recipe!
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”j3hL2nez” upload-date=”2019-02-18T07:00:00.000Z” name=”Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe” description=”This Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe can be made in 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner! Made with mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, cottage cheese, and delicious ziti pasta.”]
What you’ll need for this Veggie Baked Ziti
- Ziti or penne pasta – In this case, I actually used penne because I wasn’t able to find ziti at the grocery store that day. However, I have also made this recipe with ziti and it works both ways! I love using this brand of ziti (opens in a new tab) and penne pasta (opens in a new tab) because it’s made with chickpea flour, low carb, and tastes great!
- Vegetables – Bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini work great in vegetarian baked ziti! However, there are many vegetables that can also be used. This includes summer squash, onion, cauliflower, eggplant, and chickpeas.
- Cottage cheese instead of ricotta- Many baked ziti recipes are made with ricotta. However, using cottage cheese is a great, healthy alternative! It has less calories, less fat, and tastes amazing in this baked ziti.
How to Make Vegetarian Baked Ziti
It’s so easy to make Vegetarian Baked Ziti! Here’s how to put it together:
- Cook the pasta.
- Meanwhile, place the chopped vegetables in a casserole dish, drizzle with oil, and add salt/pepper/dried oregano to taste.
- Bake the vegetables for about 10 minutes (or until they begin to soften).
- Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Layer half of everything as follows: pasta, pasta sauce, vegetables, cottage cheese, mozzarella.
- Repeat a second layer of everything in the casserole dish.
- Top the casserole dish with parmesan and fresh basil (optional).
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe Variations
Add Veggies: Try adding spinach, kale, or even some roasted butternut squash for a hearty twist. Just layer them in with the other vegetables before baking!
Cheese Swap: If you’re a fan of different cheeses, feel free to experiment! Ricotta can replace cottage cheese for a creamier texture, or try using a sharp cheddar or gouda for a bolder flavor.
Make It Spicy: If your family likes a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the regular ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get all that delicious baked goodness.
Protein Boost: If you’re looking to up the protein, feel free to add some cooked lentils or chickpeas into the mix. They blend in beautifully with the sauce and give the dish a bit more substance!
How to Serve Baked Ziti (Vegetarian)
Serve baked ziti with these yummy sides for a delicious meal!
- Creamy Italian Pasta Salad (opens in a new tab)
- Rosemary Mushroom Rice Pilaf (opens in a new tab)
- Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini (opens in a new tab)
- Easy Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese (opens in a new tab)
Storing leftover Vegetable Baked Ziti
Place any leftovers in a large airtight container and let cool. Add the lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months!
To reheat, add about 1-2 teaspoons of broth or water and heat in the microwave or oven until evenly warm.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti FAQs
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti is made by layering pasta, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish, while lasagna uses wide, flat noodles and typically has more distinct layers, often including ricotta cheese.
Should baked ziti be covered when baking?
It’s best to bake ziti uncovered so the cheese on top can melt and turn golden brown. If you prefer a softer top, you can cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time.
Why is my baked ziti so watery?
Watery baked ziti can happen if there’s excess moisture from the sauce or vegetables. To prevent this, make sure to drain your pasta well and use a thicker sauce or pre-cook the vegetables to release some of their moisture.
Loving this Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe? Then you’ll love these other healthy pasta recipes:
- The BEST Easy Healthy Lasagna Recipe
- Mushroom & Spinach Pasta Bake
- Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz. box ziti or penne pasta (dry)
- 4 cups pasta sauce (opens in a new tab)
- 1 red bell pepper (medium)
- 10 oz. mushrooms
- 1 zucchini (small)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (opens in a new tab)
- 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese (opens in a new tab) (small curd)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup parmesan
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt/pepper
- fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cook the pasta according to directions and drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables into small pieces.
- Place the vegetables in a casserole dish, drizzle with olive oil, and add salt/pepper/dried oregano to taste.
- Bake the vegetables for about 10 minutes (or until they start getting soft).
- Remove the vegetables from the oven and set aside.
- Layer half of everything as follows: pasta, pasta sauce, vegetables, cottage cheese, mozzarella.
- Repeat a second layer of everything in the casserole dish.
- Top the casserole dish with parmesan and fresh basil (optional).
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Watch Me Make This
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)
Delicious and easy!
Thanks, Michelle!
came out really good. i added lawrys seasoned salt, basil oregano, onion powder and garlic to the vegetable bake. great dinner!
Could you pre-make this ahead of time and then bake it on the day you eat it?
Yes, absolutely! Although I wouldn’t make it more than 12 hours in advance, since the pasta may get too soggy. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Hi, I was wondering is this a great meal coming home from working out. I’m working on my health so prepping is a big thing for me. I’ve been searching for health meals specifically for dinner. I wanna learn how to make my own regimen and not rely on fast food. I want to expand my horizon or eating healthy this looks delicious I’m going cook this one.
It was a great weekday meal! Thanks!