Description
This baked ziti without meat is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and irresistibly delicious. Made with layers of perfectly cooked ziti, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is proof that you don’t need meat to make a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping, or serving it at a gathering, this easy vegetarian baked ziti will always be a hit. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta – Holds the sauce and cheese perfectly
- Marinara sauce – A rich tomato base for all the flavors
- Ricotta cheese – Makes the dish ultra creamy
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy top
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty bite
- Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture
- Garlic – Adds depth and aroma to the sauce
- Italian seasoning – Brings classic Italian flavors
- Olive oil – For sautéing the garlic
- Salt & black pepper – Essential for balancing the flavors
- Fresh basil (optional) – A touch of freshness to finish it off
Find the full ingredient measurements in the recipe card below!
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and simmer for a few minutes.
- Layer the Ziti: Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer half of the pasta, then half of the ricotta mixture, then mozzarella. Repeat the layers and finish with more mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Since it will continue baking, stop cooking when it’s just al dente.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Let it rest before serving to help the layers set.
- Want more veggies? Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the layers!
- To make it extra cheesy, add an extra layer of mozzarella on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked ziti no meat, vegetarian baked ziti, meatless baked ziti, easy baked ziti, cheesy baked ziti, baked ziti with ricotta