Heart Healthy Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 1/5/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Diabetic | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Vegetable Baked Ziti
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables brings homestyle Italian and heart-healthy ingredients together in one luscious casserole dish. The result is a Parmesan-topped masterpiece of cheesy noodles and tender veggies that you’re sure to love. This version keeps the classic, comforting flavor of traditional baked ziti while also keeping sodium low. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce more produce to your table, making it one of our favorite heart-healthy recipes for picky eaters. Roasted vegetables have  a natural sweetness that blends perfectly with the savory tomato sauce. 

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Total Time
120 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
224

What Makes This Heart Healthy Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables Healthy

This dish reimagines a classic comfort food by prioritizing nutrient-dense vegetables and heart-healthy fats. By replacing butter with olive oil and using herbs to build deep flavor, we significantly reduce the sodium and saturated fat content.

Key Health Highlights

  • Low in Sodium: Contains only 219mg of sodium per serving, perfect for those monitoring their salt intake.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: Uses monounsaturated fats from olive oil rather than butter or lard.
  • Fiber-Rich Produce: Packed with roasted zucchini, squash, and peppers for essential vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Diabetic-Friendly: A balanced nutritional profile that supports stable blood sugar.
  • Vegetarian Protein: Provides 10g of protein to keep you satisfied.
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FAQs About Heart Healthy Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

Yes, pasta can absolutely be part of a heart-healthy diet when you choose whole-grain options, load up on vegetables, and use low-sodium sauces.

Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Bake it fully, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container for up to three months.

Opt for part-skim mozzarella and a small amount of high-flavor Parmesan to reduce saturated fat while maintaining a savory taste.

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Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 450°.

  2. Step 2

    On a baking sheet, toss the bell pepper, zucchini, squash, and onion strips with 1 tsp of the olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon of the salt, black pepper to taste and the dried herbs. Roast until tender, about 15 minutes. Set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°.

  3. Step 3

    Meanwhile, in a large saucepan of boiling water, cook pasta over medium-high heat until just tender. Drain in a colander and set aside.

  4. Step 4

    In a large skillet, heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until onion is softened. Add tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, black pepper to taste and parsley and simmer another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Step 5

    In a large bowl, mix together cooked pasta, reserved vegetables, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan, and all but 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce. In a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, spread the remaining 1/4 cup tomato sauce. Pour in pasta mixture and top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake for 40 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1/2 cup

224
Calories
6
g
Fat
10
mg
Cholesterol
219
mg
Sodium
33
g
Carbs
2
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
10
g
Protein
4
g
Sugars

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • While roasting the vegetables in the oven provides the best flavor, you can also sauté the peppers and zucchini in a large skillet over medium heat if you are short on time. 
  • For individual portions, reheating this dish in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes will help restore the crispy cheese topping better than a microwave.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serve this baked ziti warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few torn basil leaves. 
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
  • If you are making this as a freezer meal, wrap the dish tightly in foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

What to Serve With Heart Healthy Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

To build a complete heart-healthy meal, serve this ziti alongside our Heart Healthy Garlic Roasted Broccoli or a crisp Heart Healthy Mediterranean Chopped Salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use penne, rigatoni, or any short, hollow pasta shape that holds sauce well.

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute part of the mozzarella with low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta.

Feel free to add fresh spinach or kale to the tomato sauce during the final simmer for extra nutrients.

Stir in cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute to the tomato sauce before mixing with the pasta; or, if not vegetarian, use ground turkey or lean ground chicken.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and onion sauté for a zesty "arrabbiata" style flavor.

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