Name: Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 cups tomato sauce (jarred or homemade); 1 carrot (chopped into small pieces); 2 stalks celery (chopped into small pieces); 1 yellow onion (diced); 2 cups finely chopped lacinato kale (from about 10 leaves); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 16 ounces dried ziti; 16 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg (lightly beaten); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (divided); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty pasta dish that’s packed with veggies and oozing with melty cheese, you’re going to love this Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich tomato sauce simmered with tender veggies, creamy ricotta mixed into tender pasta, and layers of mozzarella and parmesan baked until bubbly and golden. I promise you, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a family favorite (if it hasn’t already!). Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your baked ziti turns out flawless every time.

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with Fresh Vegetables: You get a delicious serving of nutritious kale, carrots, celery, and onions in every bite.
Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The combo of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan gives this baked ziti the perfect cheesy texture without being overwhelming.
Simple Prep and Family-Friendly: It’s straightforward to make and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance and bake it right before dinner, making weeknights so much easier.

A clear glass baking dish filled with a baked lasagna that has three visible layers: a bottom layer of orange pasta sheets, a middle layer of rich red tomato sauce with bits of dark green spinach or herbs, and a top layer thickly covered with melted white cheese sprinkled with fresh green chopped parsley. The lasagna edges are slightly browned and crispy. Around the baking dish, there is a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of chopped herbs near the top and a pale yellow bowl holding shredded cheese at the bottom left, along with a striped white and black cloth in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese, baked ziti with vegetables, cheesy pasta bake, healthy baked ziti recipe, vegetarian pasta casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe plays its part in creating a dish that’s balanced and full of flavor. From fresh veggies to a blend of cheeses, these components work together beautifully. When shopping, I recommend picking the freshest vegetables you can find and quality cheeses for the best results.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red tomato sauce, a chopped fresh carrot with bright orange pieces, two pale green celery stalks cut into small segments, a diced yellow onion with shiny golden pieces, a small bunch of dark green finely chopped lacinato kale leaves, two whole unpeeled garlic cloves, uncooked light yellow dried ziti pasta, a small white ceramic bowl holding soft white ricotta cheese, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of bright green fresh parsley, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese, baked ziti with vegetables, cheesy pasta bake, healthy baked ziti recipe, vegetarian pasta casserole

Tomato sauce: You can use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade—both work well, just choose one that’s rich and flavorful.
Carrot: Chopped small to add a subtle sweetness and great texture throughout the sauce.
Celery: Adds a lovely savory crunch and depth—don’t skip it!
Yellow onion: I love how diced onion brings sweetness and seasoning to the base of the sauce.
Lacinato kale: This dark leafy green blends perfectly with the tomato sauce and holds up well in the bake.
Garlic: Minced garlic amps up the flavor and aroma in a way you won’t want to miss.
Dried ziti pasta: Its tube shape is perfect for holding onto all that cheesy sauce.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy binding agent that makes the pasta irresistibly smooth.
Egg: Helps set the cheese mixture so it’s nice and firm when sliced.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for melty, gooey layers on top and mixed inside.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick—both inside and sprinkled on top.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and fresh brightness as garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m a big fan of making this Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe my own depending on what’s in season or what my family’s feeling. It’s so flexible that you can swap in different veggies or cheeses without sacrificing that cozy, comforting vibe.

Add Mushrooms: I once threw in some sautéed mushrooms, and it added an earthy richness that made this dish taste even more filling.
Use Spinach Instead of Kale: If kale feels a bit tough, fresh baby spinach works beautifully while keeping the dish vibrant.
Dairy-Free Swap: To make it vegan or dairy-free, try using plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives; just keep an eye on the texture.
Spicy Kick: Occasionally, I add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle heat that balances the cheesy richness perfectly.

How to Make Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Vegetables in Tomato Sauce

Start by pouring your tomato sauce into a large saucepan and adding all the chopped vegetables—carrots, celery, onions, kale, and garlic. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the veggies soften up nicely and meld their flavors into the sauce, creating a beautifully rich base. This is where a lot of the magic happens, so be patient and let it simmer gently.

Step 2: Cook the Ziti Just Right

While your sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until it’s just shy of al dente—about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions. This tip is crucial because the pasta will keep cooking in the oven, and you don’t want it mushy. Once done, drain and give the ziti a quick rinse to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Combine the Cheese Mixture and Pasta

Grab a big bowl and mix the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, half a cup of parmesan, and the beaten egg until smooth. Then toss the cooked ziti into that bowl, stirring well to coat every piece with the creamy cheese goodness. This layer is what makes the ziti so rich and irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

In your 13×9 baking dish, pour half of the vegetable-loaded tomato sauce to create a flavorful base layer. Next, spread the cheesy ziti mixture over the sauce evenly. Top it with the remaining sauce and sprinkle the leftover mozzarella and parmesan all over. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Undercooking the ziti by a few minutes ensures it stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy after baking—I learned this the hard way once!
Simmer Sauce Gently: Keeping the sauce on medium-low heat lets flavors develop without the veggies losing their texture.
Rest Before Serving: Letting it cool slightly makes slicing easier and improves the texture—otherwise, the cheese tends to run everywhere.
Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Fresh parsley on top brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise; I never skip it.

How to Serve Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe

A white plate holds a layered square piece of lasagna with visible layers of red tomato sauce mixed with orange and green vegetables, topped with a melted white cheese layer sprinkled with small green herb pieces. To the top right of the plate is a rectangular glass baking dish filled with more lasagna featuring a thick melted white cheese topping with red sauce and green herbs sprinkled on top. Above the plate, there are two small white bowls; one contains chopped green herbs and the other has shredded pale yellow cheese. Some shredded cheese and herbs are scattered on the white marbled surface around the plate and bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese, baked ziti with vegetables, cheesy pasta bake, healthy baked ziti recipe, vegetarian pasta casserole

Garnishes

I typically finish this ziti with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness. If I’m feeling fancy, a few freshly cracked black peppercorns on top work wonders, too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe are a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli. It’s a great way to balance the creamy pasta with something fresh and light.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins to give each person their own cheesy, bubbly serving—that always impresses the crowd! You can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan and broil the tops for a minute to get a crunchy golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying dinner, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. I keep mine in the fridge and it stays delicious for up to 3 days. Reheating is best done in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture!

Freezing

This Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. I learned this trick after making a huge batch for a family gathering—I portioned out servings into freezer-safe containers and froze them. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the ziti in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring gently to warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and works great for holding the sauce and cheese, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times slightly and keep the tips about undercooking the pasta before baking in mind.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta varieties available in most stores. Just check your tomato sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. The cheese and veggies are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add meat to this vegetable baked ziti?

Definitely! If you’re not strictly vegetarian, browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey can be stirred into the tomato sauce at the start for an extra protein boost and heartier dish.
How do I avoid the pasta drying out during baking?

The key is the sauce layers—make sure there’s enough tomato sauce both underneath and on top of the pasta. Also, covering the dish with foil during the majority of baking helps keep moisture locked in.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetable Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food that feels indulgent but is still packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or whenever you need a little extra cozy in your meal. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as my family and I do—don’t forget to share how yours turns out!