Description
This Meatless Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting Italian-American classic made without meat. It features tender pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. A perfect vegetarian main dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz ziti or rigatoni pasta
Sauce and Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the ziti.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain it well and set aside for layering.
- Sauté Garlic (Optional): In a small pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. This adds a subtle garlic flavor to the sauce.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped herbs until well mixed to create a creamy filling.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and infuse flavor.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the remaining marinara sauce until the pasta is well coated.
- Layer First Half: Add half of the sauced pasta to the baking dish, then spoon half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer to create a cheesy topping.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining sauced pasta, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture and then the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Parmesan: Evenly sprinkle the top with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- To prevent pasta from sticking, stir occasionally while cooking and consider rinsing briefly under warm water after draining.
- If you prefer a meatier flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or vegetables as a substitute.
- Covering the dish during the initial bake traps moisture, ensuring the pasta is cooked through and creamy.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for the best aroma and taste.
