If you're looking for a comforting dish that's brimming with the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, this Garden Fresh Baked Ziti is just the ticket. It's a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce in a heartwarming, cheesy pasta bake that everyone will love.
Ziti pasta is the backbone of this dish, providing a sturdy base that holds up well under all those delicious toppings. Olive oil adds richness and depth, perfect for sautéing the veggies. Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation, infusing the dish with their familiar warmth.
The fresh hit of color and flavor comes from zucchini, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes, which add sweetness and a bit of tang. Fresh spinach sneaks in some greens, wilting perfectly into the sauce. The marinara sauce ties everything together with its rich tomato base.
For the cheesy goodness, ricotta cheese adds creaminess, mozzarella cheese provides that gooey melt, and parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty kick. Dried oregano and basil offer classic Italian herb notes, while salt and pepper fine-tune the flavors.
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. Add some crusty garlic bread to mop up all the delicious sauce, and maybe a nice glass of red wine to complement the meal.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, cook your ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside.
Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, pour in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them sauté until the onion is translucent and your kitchen smells amazing.
Now, add in your diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 5 to 7 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the fresh spinach and marinara sauce. Let it all simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked ziti with the veggie mixture and ricotta cheese. Mix it up until everything is beautifully incorporated.
Take a greased baking dish and spread half of the ziti mixture in it. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over this layer. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the cheeses.
Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Let it bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving to avoid any burned tongues!
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