Summer Ziti Bake

Name: Summer Ziti Bake
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) box ziti; 1 1/4 pounds yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick half moons; 1 1/4 pounds zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick half moons; 2 pints red grape tomatoes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated; 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar; 1 (12-ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; thyme sprigs, to taste, for garnish

Vegetable Oven Italian

Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

About

Ah, it's summertime! You've been waiting months and months for that warmer weather and it's finally here. If you're dreaming of some poolside dining, let this Summer Ziti Bake be the first that you serve to celebrate! Bouncy ziti pasta and fresh, seasonal veggies are swimming in a rich, tangy red sauce and creamy cheese goodness that'll really kick things off in the most delicious way! Dive right into the Summer Ziti Bake and make the most of your favorite season!

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) box ziti
1 1/4 pounds yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick half moons
1 1/4 pounds zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick half moons
2 pints red grape tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 (12-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
thyme sprigs, to taste, for garnish

Directions

Step 1 -Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.

Step 2 -In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the ziti to al dente, according to the package directions.

Step 3 -Drain the water and let the ziti cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

Step 4 -While the ziti is cooking, adjust an oven rack 6 inches from the heat, then preheat the broiler.

Step 5 -On the prepared baking sheet, add the squash, the zucchini, and the tomatoes, then top with the garlic, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Toss to coat.

Step 6 -Spread the seasoned veggies into an even layer, then broil them until they are charred and tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 7 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 8 -In a medium bowl, add the ricotta, the Romano, the basil, the white wine vinegar, the remaining oil, the remaining salt, and the remaining pepper and stir to combine.

Step 9 -In a large bowl, add the cooked ziti, the cooked veggies, and the marinara sauce and stir to combine.

Step 10 -Spoon 1/2 of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and evenly dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the top. Repeat the layers once.

Step 11 -Sprinkle the ziti bake with the mozzarella.

Step 12 -Bake the ziti bake until it is lightly browned and bubbly, about 25 minutes.

Step 13 -Let the ziti bake stand, about 5 minutes.

Step 14 -Serve the ziti bake garnished with the thyme.

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