Cheesy Baked Ziti And Vegetables
A creamy, cheesy baked ziti combined with fresh vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings; rich flavors with a comforting, vegetable-enhanced twist.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. ziti or pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 small scallions sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch broccoli chopped, blanched and drained
- 1 medium zucchini sliced, blanched and drained ⓘ
- 1 large tomato chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ziti/pasta according to package instructions; drain thoroughly.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the margarine or butter; remove from heat.
- Stir in flour, dry mustard, salt, and ground pepper until smooth.
- Slowly stir in milk; return to heat and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.
- Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese; cook over very low heat until cheese melts.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well.
- Stir in sliced scallions, chopped zucchini, and chopped tomato.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and paprika on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a combination of different cheeses like mozzarella. You can substitute gluten-free pasta if desired. To enhance the flavor, add Italian herbs such as oregano or basil. If you're short on time, using pre-chopped vegetables can speed up the preparation process.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Baked Ziti and Vegetables pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light tomato sauce or a side of roasted vegetables for added flavor. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with a side of sautéed greens or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Baked Ziti And Vegetables contains roughly 404 calories, with 13g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1359mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ziti and cheese sauce in advance, then combine everything and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just sprinkle the cheese on top and follow the baking instructions. It's a convenient option for busy weeknights!
Can I freeze the baked ziti?
You can also freeze individual portions for quick lunches.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work wonderfully. Just make sure to blanch any vegetables that require cooking beforehand, ensuring they blend well with the pasta and cheese sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).