Baked Ziti with Roasted Eggplant & Mozzarella Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Baked Ziti with Roasted Eggplant & Mozzarella is a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta, perfectly roasted eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prepping, this baked ziti is both comforting and visually stunning.

Ingredients
    For the Roasted Eggplant:
  • 2 medium 2 eggplants, sliced into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
    • For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    • For the Pasta & Assembly:
  • 400 g ziti or penne pasta
  • 250 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
    Roast the Eggplant
  1. 1
    Step Description: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Toss the cubed eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly golden. Set aside.
    2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
  2. 2
    Step Description: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    3. Cook the Pasta
  3. 3
    Step Description: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti or penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
  4. 4
    Step Description: Preheat oven to 180°C. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted eggplant, and tomato sauce. Mix gently until well coated.
    5. Add Cheese & Bake
  5. 5
    Step Description: Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
    6. Garnish & Serve
  6. 6
    Step Description: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Note

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes.

Variations:

  • Add cooked zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies.
  • Use ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
  • For a low-carb version, substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower florets.
Keywords: Easy Italian dinner, vegetarian pasta, baked ziti recipe, comfort food
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/baked-ziti-with-roasted-eggplant-mozzarella-recipe/