Pasta casseroles are one of the best go-to dishes for easy weeknight meals.
We used tomatoes, summer squash, and zucchini in this hearty baked ziti casserole, but feel free to get creative and swap in your favorite vegetables.
This will, of course, adjust the nutritional content a little bit, but if you want to add more (or different) veggies, we won’t say no!
This baked ziti recipe can easily be prepped in advance and baked just before dinner — just factor in a bit of extra baking time as the dish will take a bit longer to heat coming from the refrigerator.
Servings 4 servings Calories 367 kcal
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 7 mins
Total Time 1 hr 27mins
Ingredients
4 oz. dry whole wheat ziti (or penne) pasta
2 tsp. olive oil
1 medium red onion chopped
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes chopped
2 cups chopped summer squash
1 cup chopped zucchini
¼ cup finely chopped basil leaves
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 dash crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¾ cup part-skim Mozzarella cheese divided use
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Cook ziti according to package directions; drain. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 375º F.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes, summer squash, and zucchini; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes.
Combine onion mixture, pasta, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if desired), ½ cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese in a large bowl; mix well. Place in a 2½ to 3-quart casserole that is lightly coated with spray.
Top evenly with remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese. Bake, covered with aluminum foil, for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.
Container Equivalents 1 Green
½ Red
1 Yellow
1 Blue
½ tsp.
2B Mindset Plate It! Add more veggies for a great lunch option.