Ingredients
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s first talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful dish. No need to worry, most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen!
- Ziti Pasta: This is the base of the dish, and ziti is a great pasta to hold the sauce and cheese, making each bite perfect.
- Marinara Sauce: You can opt for your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or make your own to really control the flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: This soft, creamy cheese adds the perfect richness to the dish. You could also use cottage cheese if that’s what you prefer.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella – either works perfectly here for that melty, cheesy top.
- Parmesan Cheese: For that sharp, nutty flavor that complements the richness of the other cheeses.
- Vegetables (Spinach, Carrots, Zucchini, and Bell Peppers): These are the hidden stars of the dish! You can use any combination of veggies that you like. Just make sure they are finely chopped or pureed so they blend seamlessly into the sauce.
- Garlic and Onion: These add the aromatic base flavors to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- Italian Seasoning and Salt: To bring all the flavors together.
How to Prepare the Hidden Veggie Baked Ziti
Now that we know what we’re working with, let’s break down the steps to prepare the Hidden Veggie Baked Ziti!
Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your ziti pasta to the water and cook according to the package instructions. Be sure to drain the pasta well once it’s done – you don’t want excess water in your baked ziti.
While the pasta is cooking, take a moment to get your vegetables ready. Remember, these are going to be the hidden gems of the dish, so you want to make sure they’re prepped right. Chop your veggies into small pieces, or even grate them if you prefer. If you want them to blend even better, you can use a food processor to finely chop or puree the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onions and garlic, and cook until fragrant and softened – about 3-4 minutes. Then, add your vegetables (spinach, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers) to the pan. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and cook through.
You might notice that the vegetables release some water, which is totally normal! Let them cook until most of the moisture evaporates, leaving you with soft, flavorful veggies.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Next up, the sauce. You’ll want to add your marinara sauce to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir it together and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, and it gives the veggies time to blend into the sauce. If you want to make sure the veggies are completely hidden, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce further. This will make the sauce smooth and creamy, with all those healthy vegetables completely incorporated.
At this stage, you can also add your Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt to taste. Give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Now comes the fun part – assembling the baked ziti! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer your cooked ziti, then pour half of the veggie sauce mixture over the pasta. Add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the sauce, then sprinkle some mozzarella and parmesan cheese over it all.
Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese, making sure the top layer has a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan for that perfect, golden-brown finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly browned. If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Once it’s done, let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into.
Conclusion: A Veggie-Packed Comfort Food Classic
There you have it – a hidden veggie baked ziti that’s as tasty as it is nutritious! It’s the perfect meal for anyone looking to sneak more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re trying to get the kids to eat healthier or just want a comforting dish that’s packed with nutrients, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Give it a try, and watch as your family devours this veggie-packed version of a classic comfort food. Enjoy!
