Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh and healthy meals, and what better way to do it than with a delicious Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables? This classic Italian dish is packed with flavorful summer vegetables and makes for a perfect dinner option. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. In this blog post, we'll explore the recipe, nutritional values, tips on making and storing Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables.

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow squash, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the red bell pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
  • Pour half of the pasta and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional values of Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables:

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables is a healthy and nutritious dish that's packed with vegetables. One serving of this dish contains approximately 450 calories, 18g fat, 54g carbohydrates, 8g fiber, and 24g protein. It's a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.

How to Store Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables:

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave the dish or bake it in the oven until it's heated through.

Tips on Making Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables:

  • Use fresh summer vegetables for the best flavor.
  • Cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
  • Don't overcook the vegetables, so they retain their texture.
  • Use a good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese - it's what makes this dish so delicious!

What is Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables?

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables is a classic Italian dish that's made with ziti pasta, summer vegetables, tomato sauce, and cheese. It