Baked Ziti with Hidden Vegetables
A single serving of classic baked ziti with a nutritious twist, incorporating hidden vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 cup ziti pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
Ingredients for marinara sauce
Ingredients for pasta
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the saucepan. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes) to the saucepan, along with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the marinara sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or garlic bread.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy your homemade marinara sauce!
- Start by turning on the gas and placing a saucepan on it.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the saucepan.
- Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the ziti pasta to the saucepan.
- Boil the pasta for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and use the pasta as desired in your recipe.
- In a small skillet, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, off the gas and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your single-serving baked ziti with hidden vegetables!
Instructions for marinara sauce
Instructions for pasta
Note
- Feel free to adjust the type and amount of vegetables according to your preference. You can also add cooked ground meat or sausage for extra protein. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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