This simple but satisfying pasta bake is loaded with fresh veggies, seasoned tempeh, and ziti. It's great for weeknight dinners and makes great leftovers.
2cupsarugula or spinachabout 2 handfuls (optional)
24ouncespasta sauce
1 and ½cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
fresh chopped basilfor garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x16 glass baking dish with cooking spray.
Prepare ziti according to package instructions in well-salted water. Cook until al dente.
Heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering and hot, add zucchini, peppers, and onion. Use clean hands to crumble tempeh into the pan. Add minced garlic and saute for 6-8 minutes, stirring as needed. The peppers and onions are ready when softened and a little golden.
Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, soy sauce and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Once done simmering, stir in the arugula or spinach.
Combine the pasta sauce and cooked ziti with the vegetables and tempeh. Stir to mix together.
Transfer the ziti and veggies to the lightly oiled 9x16 dish. Bake at 375F for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Turn on the broiler and bake an addition 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on the cheese as it broils to avoid burning it.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil. Enjoy hot.
Notes
Tomato sauce: A can of Italian tomato sauce has extra Italian seasonings added and might just be labeled as having additional basil or oregano. A regular unseasoned tomato sauce will also work if that is what you have on hand.
Pasta sauce: Choose a regular marinara-style pasta sauce or basil, Italian, or garlic seasoned sauce.
Vegetables: You can use fresh or frozen vegetables in this recipe. Cook vegetables before using. Most vegetables will work, like mushrooms, peas and broccoli.
Protein variations: Try using a block of tofu instead, or add chickpeas as a protein source. If using beans, skip the sauteing step and add them in with the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
Freezing: This recipe will keep up to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, heat in the microwave for 3-4 minutes or cover and bake at 350 degrees until heated through about 15-20 minutes. See blog post for tips on making ahead and freezing.