Name: Meatless Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 450g ziti pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 800g marinara sauce; 450g ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

This Meatless Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the hearty flavor of a traditional baked pasta dish—without the meat. Packed with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a vegetarian classic that pleases every crowd. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy dinner, a meal train, or Sunday meal prep, this baked ziti delivers big on taste with simple pantry staples.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s a no-fuss, all-flavor kind of dish that layers creamy and cheesy textures in every bite. The magic happens when the pasta bakes in the oven until bubbling, golden, and slightly crispy at the edges. It’s pure comfort, with zero compromise.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Baked Ziti?

Ziti pasta is traditionally used because of its sturdy shape and ridges that hold onto the sauce perfectly. However, penne or rigatoni also work well if ziti isn’t available. The key is to use a tubular pasta that stands up to baking and holds sauces beautifully.

Ingredients for the Meatless Baked Ziti

Ziti Pasta: The star of the dish; holds the sauce and cheese effortlessly.
Marinara Sauce: A quality store-bought or homemade sauce brings tang and depth.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness to the layers.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to gooey perfection for that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, umami bite to finish things off.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a fresh, herby touch after baking.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
Olive Oil & Garlic: Boost the flavor with classic Italian aromatics.
Salt & Pepper: To season every layer to perfection.

How To Make the Meatless Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, salt, pepper, and a handful of grated Parmesan. This creamy mixture will be layered with the pasta and sauce.

Step 3: Layer the Ziti

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara. Layer half of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, more sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers and finish with remaining mozzarella and a bit more Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Baked Ziti

This dish is best served warm and bubbling from the oven, but it’s also a champion for leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze baked ziti before baking—just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Meatless Baked Ziti?

Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp garlic bread is a classic pairing.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the ziti perfectly.

Roasted Broccoli

A healthy, earthy side that balances the richness of the pasta.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic.

Italian Green Beans

Lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil.

Bruschetta

Add a fresh tomato-garlic appetizer for a burst of flavor.

Grilled Asparagus

Simple and elegant with a squeeze of lemon.

Antipasto Platter

A colorful mix of marinated veggies and cheeses for a pre-dinner bite.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this meatless baked ziti hit the spot, you’ll love diving into more baked pasta goodness:

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a veggie-packed alternative.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole when you’re craving creamy layers.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a twist on a classic.
Creamy Beef and Shells if you’re not sticking to meatless.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick weeknight fix.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in spinach or swap in penne? Maybe used a spicy marinara?

I love seeing how you make each dish your own. Feel free to ask questions—let’s make dinner better together.

Explore more healthy, cozy, and comforting pasta creations on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and never run out of ideas for your next meal!

Meatless Baked Ziti

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re craving a cozy, bubbling, and totally satisfying pasta dish, this Meatless Baked Ziti is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor—without needing a trace of meat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, easy weekend meal prep, or a meatless main course that still satisfies every comfort food craving. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, a quick vegetarian pasta bake, or a family-friendly recipe, this baked ziti checks every box.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

3. In a skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.

5. Spread a thin layer of marinara in the bottom of the dish. Add half the pasta, half the ricotta mix, and a layer of mozzarella. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7. Let rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.