Baked Ziti No Meat
A comforting, meatless baked ziti loaded with pasta, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and fresh vegetables, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni (mezzi rigatoni) pasta Can substitute with ziti pasta.
- 32 oz marinara or pasta sauce Store-bought or homemade.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese Creamy texture adds richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Ensure even melting.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese Adds a savory flavor.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- 1 cup diced yellow squash or zucchini Adds more veggies.
- 1 cup diced red bell peppers Adds sweetness.
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes Great for freshness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves For garnish.
- 1 cup shredded provolone piccante or fontina cheese Optional for more flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a large pot of salted water and add the ziti pasta, cooking until nearly done, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- If using store-bought marinara sauce, stir it well. For homemade sauce, sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes with herbs, and seasonings.
- If adding vegetables, sauté them in olive oil until soft and stir into the sauce.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Layering Your Baked Ziti
- Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked pasta mixed with sauce evenly.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with remaining sauce and cheese on top.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden top, broil on high for 2-5 minutes, watching carefully.
Notes
Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Pairs well with garlic bread or a salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.