Herb-Infused Zucchini Baked Ziti
Delight in the comforting layers of Herb-Infused Zucchini Baked Ziti, a dish brimming with flavors that will have everyone asking for more. This delightful twist on classic baked ziti is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, featuring sautéed zucchini layered with perfectly cooked pasta, a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh herbs, and a melty cheesy topping. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe yields two pans: one to savor and another to freeze for a quick, delicious weeknight meal. The fresh basil is a key ingredient, giving this dish a bright flavor that elevates each bite. Enjoy it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal the whole family will love!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
3 large (sliced into rounds)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (divided)
Ziti or Penne Pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Canned Tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (crushed or sliced if whole)
Basil Leaves
1/4 cup (in strips)
Chopped Parsley
1/4 cup (fresh)
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Salt
to taste (kosher or sea salt)
Butter
4 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 1/2 cups (for topping)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
3
While the pasta is cooking, slice the zucchini into rounds.
4
In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the zucchini until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
5
In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
7
Add the canned tomatoes (crushed) along with the basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8
Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked ziti in the large bowl and mix well to combine.
9
Rub two shallow baking pans with olive oil to prevent sticking.
10
Layer the baked ziti mixture in each pan: start with 1/4 of the ziti, followed by 1/4 of the sautéed zucchini. Repeat the layers two more times.
11
Dot the top of each pan with 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle with 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the Parmesan cheese after each layer.
12
Bake both pans in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly.
13
If you want to save one for later, freeze the second pan tightly covered with aluminum foil after preparing it without baking.
14
To serve, defrost the frozen pan in the refrigerator overnight, and bake for the same time when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Zucchini Baked Ziti?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring layers of sautéed zucchini, ziti pasta, and a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh herbs and topped with melted cheese.
What type of pasta can be used for this recipe?
You can use 1 lb of either Ziti or Penne pasta cooked according to package directions until al dente.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 16 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
Three large zucchinis should be sliced into rounds and sautéed in olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil, divided into two 1/4 cup portions for sautéing zucchini and the sauce base.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
When should the garlic be added?
Add the minced garlic to the sautéed onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
Use two 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes, or sliced tomatoes if using whole ones.
What fresh herbs are included in the herb-infused sauce?
The sauce is infused with 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves (cut into strips) and 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley.
How long does the tomato sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How do I assemble the layers of the baked ziti?
Layer 1/4 of the ziti mixture followed by 1/4 of the sautéed zucchini, repeating this process and topping with butter and cheese.
What types of cheese are used for the topping?
The topping consists of 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much butter is added to the dish?
A total of 4 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces, is used to dot the top of the layers.
How long should the pans bake in the oven?
Bake the pans for 30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Can this recipe be frozen for later use?
Yes, the recipe yields two pans, and one can be frozen tightly covered with aluminum foil before baking.
How do I defrost the frozen ziti?
Defrost the frozen pan in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to bake and serve it.
How do I cook the frozen pan after it has defrosted?
Once defrosted, bake it for the same 30-minute duration at 350°F as specified for the fresh pan.
What prevents the pasta from sticking to the baking pans?
Rub the shallow baking pans with olive oil before layering the ingredients to prevent sticking.
What is the ideal texture for the cooked pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly while baking in the oven.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What type of salt should I use?
You can use either kosher salt or sea salt according to your taste preference.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it makes two full pans, it is an excellent option for meal prepping or feeding a large crowd.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or crusty bread.
Why is fresh basil important in this recipe?
Fresh basil is a key ingredient that provides a bright, elevated flavor that complements the zucchini and tomato sauce.
How many large zucchinis are needed?
The recipe requires 3 large zucchinis.
Should the sauce be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should be simmered uncovered for 20 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include baked ziti, vegetable pasta, zucchini, meal prep, freezer-friendly, comfort food, and Italian cuisine.
How is the parsley prepared?
The 1/4 cup of parsley should be fresh and finely chopped before being added to the sauce.
What should I do if I only want to make one pan?
The recipe automatically makes two pans; you can simply follow the freezing instructions for the second pan to enjoy it at a later date.