Creamy Broccoli Ziti Bake
Indulge in a comforting dish with this Creamy Broccoli Ziti Bake, perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners. The combination of al dente ziti pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, cheesy marinara sauce comes together seamlessly on the stove-top. With layers of creamy ricotta, flavorful mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan, this dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings warmth to the table. Whether you're looking for a hearty vegan option or just a simple family meal, this recipe is versatile and delicious!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 lb (Uncooked)
Frozen or fresh broccoli florets
1 (16 ounce) bag (If using fresh, chop into smaller pieces)
Marinara sauce
1 (26 ounce) jar (Store-bought)
Skim milk ricotta cheese
1 cup (Can be divided into portions)
Part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (Diced into small cubes)
Fresh parsley
1/3 cup (Chopped)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2
Four minutes before the pasta is finished cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Continue cooking until both the pasta and broccoli are tender.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce with 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese. Heat the mixture in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, stirring occasionally to combine.
4
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot. Pour the warm marinara and ricotta sauce over the pasta, adding the chopped parsley and diced mozzarella cheese.
5
Gently stir to combine, allowing the residual heat to melt the mozzarella.
6
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual bowls, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and dollop with the remaining ricotta cheese on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
48
Carbs
12
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli Ziti Bake?
It is a comforting stovetop pasta dish combining ziti, broccoli, and a rich, cheesy marinara sauce with layers of ricotta and mozzarella.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses pasta, vegetables, and dairy products without any meat.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, although the standard recipe uses dairy, you can substitute the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan with plant-based alternatives to make it vegan.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked ziti pasta.
When do I add the broccoli to the pasta?
Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water four minutes before the pasta is finished cooking.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use either a 16-ounce bag of frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli florets chopped into smaller pieces.
How do I make the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from combining a 26-ounce jar of marinara sauce with 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese.
Do I need to bake this in the oven?
No, despite the name 'Bake', this specific recipe is prepared on the stovetop and uses residual heat to melt the cheese.
How much protein is in this dish?
This dish provides 12 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of ricotta cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of skim milk ricotta cheese.
How do I prepare the mozzarella?
You should use 4 ounces of part-skim mozzarella cheese diced into small cubes.
How much fat is in the Creamy Broccoli Ziti Bake?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate levels?
There are 48 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley to add flavor and color, though it can be adjusted to taste.
How do I warm the sauce?
You can heat the marinara and ricotta mixture in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
What is the final topping for the dish?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and dollops of the remaining ricotta.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a simple, versatile, and delicious family meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
While ziti is traditional for this dish, you can substitute with penne or rigatoni if needed.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients.
How do I ensure the mozzarella melts?
By stirring the diced mozzarella into the hot, drained pasta and warm sauce, the residual heat will melt the cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple boiling and mixing steps.
Can I use store-bought marinara?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using one 26-ounce jar of store-bought marinara sauce.
How should I serve the Ziti Bake?
Serve it hot in a large serving dish or individual bowls immediately after assembly.
What size bag of broccoli do I need?
You should use a 16-ounce bag of broccoli florets.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not specify the fiber content.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
The recipe details do not list specific sugar content, though this may depend on the brand of marinara sauce used.
Is this dish suitable for gatherings?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for gatherings and feeding several people.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on broccoli, it is versatile enough to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers if desired.