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.
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
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.
Notes
Slightly undercook your pasta to prevent mushiness after baking.
For a spicy kick, use a zesty arrabbiata sauce instead of plain marinara.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of dish)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: meatless baked ziti, vegetarian pasta bake, easy baked pasta, meatless dinner, comfort food