Description
Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables is a comforting, vibrant twist on classic Italian-American comfort food. By roasting cauliflower, bell peppers, and onions until caramelized, we introduce a natural sweetness that perfectly balances tangy marinara sauce. This hearty, vegetarian dish is filled with gooey cheese and tender pasta, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
1 yellow onion, sliced into half-inch wedges
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
16 ounces ziti pasta
24 ounces marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss cauliflower, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
Roast vegetables for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Cook ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
Combine ziti, roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, and half the cheese in a large mixing bowl.
Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also mix in ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg