Baked Ziti with Feta & Vegetables Recipe
Overview:
Baked Ziti with Feta & Vegetables is a delightful vegetarian dish that combines the heartiness of ziti pasta with the savory flavors of vegetables and the tanginess of feta cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With a total prep and cook time of just 55 minutes, you can have this wholesome meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (about 28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 carrots
- 1 green pepper
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup hot water
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 389.6
- Fat: 13.9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.4g
- Cholesterol: 25.2mg
- Sodium: 548.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 54.2g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugar: 7.8g
- Protein: 12.7g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. |
| 2 | Cut the green pepper, carrots, and onion into small pieces. |
| 3 | In a non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until they are lightly browned and softened. This should take about 5-7 minutes. |
| 4 | Stir in approximately 1/2 cup of hot water and continue cooking the vegetables until they are crisp-tender. |
| 5 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 6 | Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. |
| 7 | In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and dried basil. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. |
| 8 | Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly. |
| 9 | Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. |
| 10 | Transfer the pasta mixture to a casserole dish. |
| 11 | Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. |
| 12 | Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the feta cheese has melted and the dish is heated through. |
| 13 | Once baked, remove the foil and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. |
| 14 | Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Baked Ziti with Feta & Vegetables! |
Serving:
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep throughout the week. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or add some protein like chickpeas or tofu for extra nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables—they should be tender yet still have a slight crunch.
- For a cheesy twist, you can mix some shredded mozzarella cheese with the feta before sprinkling it over the pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion:
Baked Ziti with Feta & Vegetables is a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying on the table fast. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting meal that’s packed with Mediterranean flavors and wholesome goodness! 🍝🥗🧀
