Baked Ziti is one of the most beloved comfort foods in Italian-American cuisine, and for a good reason. With layers of tender ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a combination of melting cheeses, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week. This pure vegetarian version of baked ziti swaps out any meat for a rich, flavorful combination of cheeses and vegetables, making it suitable for vegetarians and even vegans with a few easy modifications.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this baked ziti recipe will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you get a comforting, cheesy, and filling dish every time. So grab your apron and let’s dive into making this delicious vegetarian baked ziti!
Ingredients:
- Pasta:
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta (or penne pasta)
- Vegetarian Marinara Sauce:
- 4 cups of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for extra richness)
- Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or vegan ricotta for vegan version)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
- For Baking:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (to sprinkle on top)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (to sprinkle on top)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 35 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400-450 kcal (varies depending on the cheese used)
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 7 g
- Calcium: 25% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 10% of the DV
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on ingredient variations.)
Cuisines: Italian-American
Course: Main Course
Diet Type: Vegetarian, Egg-Free
Special Diets: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free pasta), Vegan (with substitutions)
Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Baking sheet (if needed)
Instructions:
- Cook the Ziti Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste (optional), dried basil, and oregano. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add red pepper flakes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve some for the topping), grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil (optional). Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish (9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked pasta over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the cheese mixture on top of the pasta and spread it out evenly.
- Add half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
- Top with Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once the baked ziti is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot!
Tips and Variations:
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta (or cashew ricotta), mozzarella with vegan mozzarella, and Parmesan with a vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the marinara sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish can also be frozen before baking. Once assembled, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this cheesy baked ziti with a side of crispy garlic bread or a fresh, crisp salad to round out your meal. The richness of the pasta pairs wonderfully with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and lemon dressing.
Conclusion: This baked ziti recipe is an easy, pure vegetarian twist on a classic Italian-American dish that will satisfy both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With its perfect blend of pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a holiday feast, this baked ziti will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this simple yet hearty meal that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food!