Baked Ziti Primavera

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper (1 medium)
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (1 medium)
• 1 cup chopped zucchini (1 small)
• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets (about 1 small head)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (about 5 medium)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (from a jar or homemade)
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce (from a jar or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2/5

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened.
4. Add red bell pepper, green bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Stir until well combined.
6. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional Information:

(per serving) Calories: 450 Protein: 20g Carbohydrates: 60g Fat: 15g Fiber: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and cheesy
• Vibrant and flavorful with a variety of vegetables
• Hearty and filling
• Perfect for a family meal or casual gathering

User Comments:

• "This is one of the best Baked Ziti recipes I've ever had. The combination of flavors is amazing."
• "The vegetables make it feel healthy, but it's still so indulgent and satisfying."
• "I love that I can make this ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when I'm ready to eat."
• "I always double the recipe because it goes so fast in my house!"
• "This dish is so versatile. You can add or remove vegetables as you like to customize it to your taste."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have marinara sauce, you can substitute tomato sauce.
• If you don't have Alfredo sauce, you can use a mixture of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
• To prevent the pasta from drying out, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking.
• Serve with a green salad for a complete meal.