Mediterranean Diet Baked Ziti
Indulge in the wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean with this healthy and satisfying Mediterranean Diet Baked Ziti. This recipe transforms a classic comfort dish into a nutrient-rich masterpiece by using whole grain ziti, fresh veggies like zucchini, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, and a savory blend of Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and mozzarella cheese. Infused with fragrant oregano and basil, the dish is bathed in a robust tomato sauce for a vibrant, herbaceous bite in every forkful. Baked to cheesy, golden perfection in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Packed with Mediterranean diet staples and big on flavor, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole grain ziti pasta
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Red onion, diced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium Zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 cups Baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup Crumbled feta cheese
- 1.5 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2.5 cups Tomato sauce
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole grain ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced zucchini to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are slightly tender, approximately 5 minutes.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and baby spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the tomato sauce, then add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top evenly.
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top, and then distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown crust.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Baked Ziti!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2988 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 140.6 g | 180% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.1 g | 226% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 187 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 7516 mg | 327% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 330.6 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 57.9 g | 207% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.8 g | ||
| Protein | 108.8 g | 218% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1681 mg | 129% | |
| Iron | 19.0 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 2974 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
