The Perfect Vegetable Ziti Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Summer vegetable ziti bursts with vibrant colors and fresh garden goodness.

Seasonal ingredients change an ordinary pasta dish into a culinary celebration of warm-weather bounty.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Lighter than traditional heavy pasta recipes, this dish embraces the essence of summer abundant harvest.

Creamy yet refreshing, the ziti captures the spirit of leisurely outdoor dining.

Delicate herbs and perfectly roasted vegetables elevate this simple meal into something truly extraordinary.

Summer Vegetable Ziti: A Colorful and Tasty Dish

• Boost Summer Flavor: Broiling vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and creates delightful charred edges, transforming ordinary summer produce into an extraordinary pasta dish.
• Quick and Easy Layered Comfort: This one-pan ziti delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal prep, allowing home cooks to assemble a complete meal in under an hour without complicated techniques.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Packed with protein, fiber, and a balanced mix of vegetables, this recipe offers a satisfying and wholesome dinner that feels indulgent while supporting healthy eating goals.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this ziti adapts easily to different dietary preferences and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

What You Need to Make Summer Vegetable Ziti

• Ziti: Classic pasta shape perfect for baked dishes, choose a sturdy brand that holds sauce well.

• Zucchini, Squash: Fresh summer vegetables that roast beautifully, look for firm and vibrant produce.
• Tomatoes: Adds sweetness and moisture, select ripe and colorful varieties.
• Garlic: Provides deep aromatic flavor, fresh cloves are best.

• Ricotta: Creamy base for layering, choose whole milk for richer texture.
• Romano Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances overall flavor, aged varieties recommended.
• Mozzarella: Melts perfectly for golden top layer, fresh or low-moisture works well.

• Basil: Fresh herb for bright flavor, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balancing flavors.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps roasting, extra virgin preferred.
• Vinegar: Adds subtle tanginess, balsamic or white wine vinegar work great.
• Marinara Sauce: Ready-made sauce for easy assembly, choose high-quality brand.

How to Make a Flavorful Summer Vegetable Ziti

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Roast Vegetables

• Zucchini
• Squash
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and broil for 10 minutes until charred and tender.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Romano cheese
• Fresh basil
• Vinegar
• Remaining olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Assemble Ziti Casserole

• Cooked pasta
• Roasted vegetables
• Marinara sauce

• Half of the pasta mixture
• Ricotta mixture
• Repeat layers
• Top with mozzarella cheese

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips for Perfecting Summer Vegetable Ziti

• Char Vegetables Perfectly: Broil zucchini and squash close to heat source for maximum caramelization and smoky flavor, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Salt Pasta Water Generously: Add enough salt to make water taste like the sea, ensuring pasta absorbs flavor during cooking.
• Layer Strategically: Create even distribution of ricotta and vegetables by spooning ingredients carefully and spreading them across entire baking dish.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe summer vegetables and fresh basil for brightest taste and most vibrant color in the final dish.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow ziti to sit for 5 minutes after baking, which helps ingredients set and makes cutting and serving easier.

How to Keep Summer Vegetable Ziti Fresh for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled ziti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Freezing: Wrap the baked ziti securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label container with date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, restore moisture and texture by covering with foil and baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating to prevent dryness and refresh the dish's original delicious taste.

Best Pairings for Summer Vegetable Ziti

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the summer vegetables' bright, fresh flavors and cuts through the richness of cheese.
• Serve with Herbal Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic and fresh herbs create a perfect crunchy side that echoes the zesty vegetable notes in the ziti.
• Match with Light Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta dish.
• Recommend Sparkling Water with Citrus: A fizzy water with a squeeze of lemon or lime cleanses the palate between bites and refreshes the taste buds during this summer meal.

Fun Twists on Summer Vegetable Ziti

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace marinara with creamy feta sauce, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power Ziti: Incorporate grilled chicken or Italian sausage to boost protein content, making it a heartier main dish for meat lovers.
• Vegan Veggie Blast: Swap ricotta with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Romano, and add roasted eggplant for extra depth and plant-based protein.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in black beans, corn, jalapeños, and swap basil for cilantro to create a zesty southwestern-style pasta bake with a kick.

Vegetable Ziti Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer Vegetable Ziti brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table with garden-fresh ingredients and creamy ricotta. Pasta lovers will savor this colorful Italian-inspired dish that combines seasonal zucchini, bell peppers, and herbs in a comforting one-pan meal you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) uncooked ziti pasta
• 2 lbs (907 g) yellow squash and zucchini, sliced into rounds and half-moons
• 2 pints (340 g) red grape tomatoes

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups (454 g) ricotta cheese
• 6 ounces (170 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups)
• 8 ounces (227 g) Romano cheese, grated (about ½ cup)

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 ounces (340 g) jar marinara sauce
• ⅓ cup (8 g) chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons (10 g) kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) white wine vinegar
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Carefully drain the pasta and allow it to cool for approximately 10 minutes, preventing overcooking.
2. Position the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element. Spread zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and ground black pepper. Broil for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan midway to ensure even charring and tenderness.
3. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, grated Romano cheese, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, remaining olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold the roasted vegetables and marinara sauce into the cooled pasta. Transfer half of the mixture to a 13×9-inch (33×23 centimeters) baking dish. Carefully spread of the ricotta mixture over the initial layer. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixture.
5. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges become golden and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let the ziti rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.

Notes

• Roasting vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a smoky depth of flavor for this summer ziti.
• Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese elevate this simple pasta dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Charring zucchini and squash under the broiler adds a gorgeous caramelized exterior that locks in moisture.
• Using Romano and ricotta cheeses creates a rich, creamy texture that complements the roasted vegetables perfectly.
• Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and helps it set for easier serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg