Vegetable Baked Ziti (Roasted Peppers & Spinach)

Ingredients

• 170 g ziti (or penne), dry
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup bell peppers, roasted (jarred or roasted), sliced
• 3 cups spinach, fresh (or thawed frozen, squeezed dry)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup mozzarella, shredded
• 2 tbsp parmesan, grated(optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt(optional)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30–45 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted (if using frozen spinach, cook just until hot). Season with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   In a small baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara. Layer in half the ziti, half the roasted peppers, half the spinach, and half the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining ziti, peppers, spinach, and top with remaining marinara and mozzarella (and parmesan if using).

4. 4

   Bake until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted, 25–30 minutes. Rest 5 minutes before serving.