This baked pasta was the first meal I made in our apartment. Since I hadn’t started the blog yet, I figured it would be a meal to recreate because it is definitely a favorite:)
I mean who doesn’t like baked pasta?
First you sautee zucchini, onion, and garlic in some olive oil over medium high heat
Meanwhile, cook your pasta for about 8 minutes.
Picture the veggies being browned and carmelized..I got a little distracted in taking pictures because I had a little fire in my kitchen..
RIP spatula..
ANYWAYS..then I combined the cooked, drained penne, with the sautéed veggies, marinara sauce, ricotta, and parmesan cheese
Poured in a pan, and topped with grated mozzarella cheese
Baked at 375 degrees F for apx. 45 minutes
the picture does not do it justice..it is SO good. Comfort food healthy-fied (..) at its finest!
This is the perfect make-ahead meal. Prepare to the point right before baking, cover, and keep refrigerated until your ready to preheat the oven. Just let the dish come to room temperature before you bake! You can make this recipe up to a day in advance, and this makes a LOT of pasta, which is perfect for leftovers:)
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Baked Pasta with Zucchini
Servings: 6
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound Whole wheat penne pasta
2 cups Zucchini sliced
1 medium white onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, diced
1 jar Marinara Sauce apx 3 cups (or homemade)
1/2 cup part skim ricotta (or goat cheese)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp italian seasoning
1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
Cook pasta for about 8 minutes, until slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside
While pasta is cooking, preheat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add in olive oil, zucchini, onion, and garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in spices (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and italian seasoning). Saute for about 4 more minutes, until veggies are nice and golden brown
In a large mixing bowl, mix together cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese. Add in sautéed veggies and marinara sauce, mix everything together, and pour into a baking dish.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for 45 minutes, or until top is nice and golden brown.
Then dig in!..and if you go back for seconds thirds..I won’t judge
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi Chelcie! This looks so delicious, and reminds me of a baked ziti that my mom makes
I think this would be a perfect dish to bring to a potluck. It would serve a lot of people…and everyone would be happy 