Introduction
Ah, baked ziti—there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked pasta dish straight from the oven! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a cozy dinner, this baked ziti recipe with no meat is a delicious, satisfying, and hearty meal that everyone will love.
While traditional baked ziti often includes ground beef or sausage, this meatless version is just as savory and rich in flavor. With creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, it’s a dish that even meat lovers will adore! Plus, it’s a perfect recipe if you’re looking to cut down on meat without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Let’s dive into this cheesy, baked delight that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe requires only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s cheesy, flavorful, and meatless, making it a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients, this baked ziti is both tasty and easy on the wallet.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients based on your taste and dietary preferences.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ziti Pasta: Traditional for this dish, but you can also use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti on hand.
- Marinara Sauce: Feel free to use a store-bought sauce or make your own. A homemade marinara with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs brings a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: This adds a creamy, mild flavor. Cottage cheese can work as a substitute, though it has a slightly different texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that gooey, melty top! If you want a sharper flavor, try a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor. Pecorino Romano is a great alternative if you want a bolder taste.
How to Make Baked Ziti (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture until it is al dente.
It’s essential to cook it to al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain it and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the marinara sauce. If you’re using store-bought sauce, you can enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic, dried basil, and oregano. - Make the Sauce:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes), then pour in the marinara sauce. Add your dried herbs and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to melt the flavors. - Combine Pasta and Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined, then pour the sauce over and stir gently. - Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Top with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!
Expert Tips for Success
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Remember, your pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercook it during the boiling stage.
- Cover the Dish First: Start with the dish covered to trap the moisture and ensure the cheese doesn’t over-brown. Remove the foil towards the end to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
- Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, stir some into the pasta for an extra burst of freshness.
Variations and Customizations
Add Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would make a great addition to this dish.
Make it Vegan: Substitute ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives, and use a dairy-free Parmesan. Many brands now offer delicious plant-based cheese that melts beautifully!
Use Whole Wheat Pasta: To make this recipe more nutritious, swap regular ziti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: This baked ziti freezes well. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp side salad pairs beautifully with baked ziti. Try a Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus complements the rich flavors of the ziti.
Recipe Card
Here’s everything you’ll need to know to create this Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat at home:
Baked ziti recipe (no meat)
Ingredients
- 12 Oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups Marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add marinara sauce, dried basil, and oregano to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the marinara sauce mixture.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for a delicious, cheesy finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and a tender texture. Next, take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a little heavy cream to the marinara sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Before baking, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli are great substitutes if you don’t have ziti.
Q: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara for a bit of heat.
Related Recipes
Easy Vegetarian Lasagna: If you’re a fan of layered pasta dishes, try this meatless lasagna that’s loaded with veggies and cheesy goodness.
Stuffed Shells: Another classic Italian favorite, stuffed shells are filled with ricotta, and spinach, and topped with marinara sauce.
Penne Arrabbiata: For a spicy, flavorful pasta option, this dish features penne in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and chili flakes.
Conclusion
With this baked ziti recipe with no meat, you have an easy, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a crowd-pleaser for a gathering, this dish is a winner. And the best part? It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and simple to make!
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking. This cheesy, baked delight is ready to take your weeknight dinner game to the next level! Enjoy!