Cheesy Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Vegetarian Baked Ziti that takes a classic Italian-American dish and gives it a healthy twist. Made with ziti pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce and paired with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, this dish is layered with creamy low-fat cottage cheese and nutrient-rich spinach. Topped with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, it is baked to perfection for a bubbling, cheesy finish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests, this vegetarian delight is sure to please everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ziti pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
yellow onion
1 large (diced)
kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
fresh oregano
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
pasta sauce
26 ounces (jarred)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
cottage cheese
15 ounces (low-fat)
frozen spinach
10 ounces (thawed and liquid squeezed out)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the diced yellow onion, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cover and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 10-12 minutes.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh oregano (if using) and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
5
Add the pasta sauce and allow it to heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Remove the pot from heat and incorporate the cooked ziti, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
7
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, and thawed spinach to the pot. Mix until everything is well combined.
8
Spread the pasta mixture into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish or individual ramekins.
9
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
11
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
38g
Carbs
13g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Vegetarian Baked Ziti?
It is a healthy twist on a classic Italian-American dish made with pasta, marinara, spinach, and a blend of cheeses.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in one serving of this baked ziti?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ziti pasta cooked al dente.
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
While ziti is traditional, you can substitute it with other shapes like penne or rigatoni.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 8g of fat in each serving.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
This dish provides 13g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 38g of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long should I sauté the yellow onion?
Sauté the onion for 10-12 minutes until it becomes translucent.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifies using one large yellow onion.
Can I add fresh herbs to this dish?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/2 cup of optional fresh chopped oregano.
How much cottage cheese is required?
You will need 15 ounces of cottage cheese.
Should I use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese?
The recipe calls for low-fat cottage cheese to keep the dish lighter.
What kind of pasta sauce is used?
The recipe uses 26 ounces of jarred pasta sauce.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Which cheeses are used for the topping and filling?
This recipe uses a combination of Parmesan, low-fat cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
How long does the ziti need to bake in the oven?
Bake for about 15 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9-by-13-inch baking dish or individual ramekins are recommended.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a casserole and an easy dinner, making it a great option for meal planning.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 1.5g of fiber.
Is this recipe considered a low-cholesterol option?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as being low in cholesterol.
How should I prepare the frozen spinach?
The 10 ounces of frozen spinach should be thawed and have all liquid squeezed out before use.
What is the preparation for the ziti pasta?
The pasta should be cooked according to package instructions until al dente and then drained.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese for the topping.
How much Parmesan cheese is used in the mix?
You will need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting vegetarian delight and tagged as comfort food.
Should I let the dish cool after baking?
Yes, allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
When should I add the garlic and oregano?
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh oregano after the onions are sautéed and cook for an additional 2 minutes.