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Baked ziti recipe no meat with melted cheese and marinara sauce served on a white plate.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat | Creamy & Comforting

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This baked ziti recipe no meat is a classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring tender ziti pasta layered with creamy ricotta cheese, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for vegetarian family dinners, this meatless baked ziti comes together in just 50 minutes and serves 8 people. The combination of three cheeses creates an irresistibly creamy texture, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy, savory flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to feed a crowd, this vegetarian baked ziti recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. It’s also great for meal prep and freezes beautifully for future meals.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Scale
Ingredients for baked ziti recipe no meat including ziti pasta, cheese, and marinara.

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound (16 oz) ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 24 oz marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Greased baking dish ready for baked ziti recipe no meat.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil and set aside.

Ziti pasta boiling in pot for baked ziti recipe no meat.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside.

Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs mixed for baked ziti recipe no meat.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, basil, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Marinara sauce with garlic and herbs for baked ziti recipe no meat.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until evenly combined.

Cooked ziti mixed with cheese and marinara for baked ziti recipe no meat.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked ziti to the cheese mixture and toss until the pasta is well coated. Pour in half of the marinara sauce and gently fold everything together.

Layering pasta and sauce in baking dish for baked ziti recipe no meat.

Step 6: Layer in the Baking Dish
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over it. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top, then cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Baked ziti recipe no meat covered with foil baking in oven.

Step 7: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Freshly baked ziti recipe no meat cooling with melted cheese.

Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking directly from cold.

Freezing: Freeze assembled (unbaked) or baked ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Pasta Tips: Cook pasta al dente as it continues cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.

Cheese Substitutions: Can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta (drain excess liquid first). For a sharper flavor, add extra Parmesan.

Add Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work well mixed into the sauce or cheese layers.

 

Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

  • Author: David Roberts
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://www.rozrecipes.com/baked-ziti-recipe-no-meat/