Creamy Cauliflower Baked Ziti

cauliflower baked ziti in a white oval baking dish

5 from 5 votes

Creamy Cauliflower Baked Ziti

The cauliflower florets in this Creamy Baked Ziti melt right into the creamy sauce for a dish with a little hidden vegetable boost. This baked pasta can be assembled in a casserole dish up to a day ahead and baked whenever you’re ready.

Prep Time40 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Total Time50 mins

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: baked pasta, make ahead baked pasta, vegetarian casserole

Servings:

Calories: 565kcal

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $8.00

Equipment

9x13 Baking Dish
Stockpot
Saucepan

Ingredients

2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Dried Basil (or chopped fresh basil)
¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
3 15 oz cans Crushed Tomatoes (or tomato puree)
½ teaspoon Sugar
1 lb Dried Pasta, like Ziti, Rigatoni, or Penne
16 oz Frozen Cauliflower Florets
4 oz Cream Cheese, cubed
8 oz Mozzarella, shredded
½ + ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F / 232°C. Rub a 9x13 baking dish with oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and then garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Stir in tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a simmer. Simmer with lid slightly ajar for 15 to 20 minutes.
While sauce simmers, boil pasta according to package directions. In the last minute of cooking, add cauliflower florets. Drain pasta and cauliflower.
Return to sauce and whisk in cream cheese.
Stir 3 cups sauce and ½ cup parmesan cheese into pasta and cauliflower.
Pour ¾ cup sauce into prepared baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella. Add pasta over top.
Top pasta with any remaining sauce, remaining mozzarella, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese.
Transfer to the oven and bake until bubbly and melted, about 10 minutes.
Turn on the oven’s broiler and broil until the top is golden, 3 to 4 minutes more.

Notes

Make ahead - The pasta can be assembled up to a day ahead of time. Let it come to room temperature before baking according to recipe (it may take a few minutes longer to warm through).

Nutrition