Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti

An entire sheet pan full of roasted vegetables — cauliflower, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, onion and bell pepper — boosts this vegetarian pasta bake. Be sure to use a large enough pan so the vegetables can evenly spread out and roast; if they’re too crowded, they tend to steam. A standard 18-by-13-inch half-sheet pan is perfect for the job.

Try this recipe for meal prep for the week. It’s an easy-prep process, plus you’re loading up on veggies to provide a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as fiber. Pair with a protein source such as grilled chicken breast or tofu to create a balanced and delicious meal.

Active time: 15 minutes Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 2 cups (220g) small cauliflower florets
• 2 cups (230g) zucchini, cubed
• 2 cups (160g) eggplant, cubed
• 1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 8 oz (227g) cremini mushrooms, stems removed, quartered
• 1 medium red bell pepper (119g), roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 tsp coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 12 oz (340g) uncooked ziti
• 1 (24-oz/680g) jar low-sodium marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded part-skim mozzarella

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230ºC). On a large sheet pan, toss together cauliflower, zucchini, eggplant, onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread vegetables into an even layer on the pan. Roast until tender and starting to brown, about 25 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes. Remove vegetables from oven and reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190ºC).

While the vegetables roast, cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. In a large bowl, stir together marinara sauce and smoked paprika. Add cooked pasta and roasted vegetables. Spoon mixture into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top evenly with cheese. Bake, uncovered, until cheese melts and sauce is slightly bubbly, 20 minutes.

Turn broiler to high. Broil just until cheese browns, 1–2 minutes.

Serves: 8 | Serving Size: 1 1/3 cups

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 333; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 16mg; Sodium: 408mg; Carbohydrate: 47g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 797mg; Iron: 15%; Vitamin A: 27%; Vitamin C: 50%; Calcium: 6%

Originally published March 6, 2021; Updated December 2025

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