Baked Eggplant Ziti Parmesan
Indulge in this delicious Baked Eggplant Ziti Parmesan, a comforting and hearty dish that combines layers of savory eggplant, pasta, and rich tomato sauce. This European-inspired recipe features a creamy ricotta cheese filling, complemented by a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this dish not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart. Share it with loved ones for a delightful vegetarian meal that's packed with flavor and nutrition.
N/A
Servings
575
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants (Aubergine)
1.75 lbs (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices)
Salt
to taste
Ziti Pasta
8 ounces
Oil
1 tablespoon
Garlic Clove
1 (crushed (or more to taste))
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Ricotta Cheese or Low Fat Cottage Cheese
1.33 cups
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup, divided (grated)
Fresh Parsley or Dried Parsley Flakes
1/4 cup or 1 tablespoon (minced)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Hot Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Tomato Sauce
2 cups (or more as desired)
Instructions
1
Start by sprinkling salt over the eggplant slices and placing them in a colander. Let them drain for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2
After 30 minutes, rinse the salted eggplant under cold water and gently pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.
3
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the oil and crushed garlic, then brush this mixture generously over both sides of the eggplant slices. Season them with freshly ground black pepper.
5
Preheat your broiler and place the eggplant slices on a broiler pan. Broil them about 4 inches from the heat source for approximately 5 minutes, flipping once until they are golden and tender. You may need to do this in batches.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese, 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping), parsley, dried basil, oregano, and hot red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly.
7
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and toss gently until well combined.
8
In a greased 2- to 3-quart casserole dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the ziti and cheese mixture, followed by half of the broiled eggplant slices, and half of the remaining tomato sauce. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with the remaining tomato sauce on top.
9
Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
10
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and bubbling.
11
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy eggplant ziti!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
72.5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Eggplant Ziti Parmesan?
It is a comforting European-inspired vegetarian casserole featuring layers of savory eggplant, ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as a delightful vegetarian meal packed with flavor and nutrition.
How do I prepare the eggplant before cooking?
You should peel the eggplant and cut it into 1/2 inch slices, then sprinkle them with salt and let them drain in a colander for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Do I need to rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, after draining for 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
What type of pasta should I use?
This recipe calls for 8 ounces of ziti pasta, cooked according to the package directions until it is al dente.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can use either 1.33 cups of ricotta cheese or low-fat cottage cheese for the filling.
How do I cook the eggplant slices?
Brush the slices with a mixture of oil and crushed garlic, season with pepper, and broil them about 4 inches from the heat for 5 minutes, flipping once until golden and tender.
What herbs and spices are included in the cheese mixture?
The mixture includes minced parsley (fresh or dried), dried basil, oregano, and hot red pepper flakes.
What is the baking temperature for the casserole?
The casserole should be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
How long does the Baked Eggplant Ziti take to bake?
Bake it covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 575 calories per serving in this recipe.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 72.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the Baked Eggplant Ziti?
This dish provides approximately 20 grams of protein per serving.
How much eggplant is required?
You will need approximately 1.75 lbs of eggplant (aubergine).
Should the garlic be crushed or minced?
The recipe recommends using 1 or more crushed garlic cloves mixed with oil to brush onto the eggplant.
Is the hot red pepper flakes ingredient mandatory?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of hot red pepper flakes is listed as optional.
How much tomato sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of tomato sauce, or more if you desire.
How do I layer the casserole?
Start with a thin layer of sauce, then half of the ziti/cheese mixture, half of the eggplant, and half of the remaining sauce; repeat these layers once more.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 2- to 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should I save any Parmesan cheese for the top?
Yes, reserve 2 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle over the very top layer before baking.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes.
What should I do after the casserole finishes baking?
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy vegetarian main dish that provides significant protein and fiber from the eggplant.
How do I ensure the ziti isn't mushy?
Cook the pasta only until 'al dente' and rinse it under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process.
Can I use more garlic if I prefer a stronger flavor?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 crushed clove or more to taste.
What gives the eggplant its flavor in this dish?
The eggplant is flavored by brushing it with a garlic-infused oil and seasoning it with fresh black pepper before broiling.
Should the eggplant be golden before layering?
Yes, you should broil the slices until they are golden and tender on both sides.
What is the final topping for the dish?
The final topping is the reserved 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese which helps create a golden, bubbling crust.