Baked Ziti with Vegetables and Mushrooms
A favorite in many homes on "Italian night," baked ziti is usually laden with meat and cheese. This version relies on the flavors of mushrooms and spinach instead.
How to Make It
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°.
Step 2
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell peppers, and sauté 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in basil, salt, black pepper, tomatoes, and tomato sauce, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thick. Stir in spinach; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts. Stir in pasta. Spoon into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Dollop with ricotta.
Step 3
Cover and bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
Step 4
Note: To make ahead, assemble casserole as directed. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature, and bake as directed.
You May Like
jebavonct48's Review
N/A
ChefLeesher's Review
N/A
EllenDeller's Review
I made half the recipe in an 8x8 pan, and we enjoyed it as a family meal. I substituted an anaheim pepper for the bell (for a little zip) and added chopped fresh basil and oregano. I also stirred about one TB pesto into the sauce. Another important change: layered the ricotta in between two layers of spinach mixture to keep it moist, then topped with grated sharp provolone instead of parmesan. With those flavor intensifiers, it made a nice dinner along with a romaine/arugula salad and crunchy breadsticks.
rtallerico's Review
Great recipe and great way to get veggies into my hubby! I do add two links of sausage.
bramma's Review