Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat
A hearty, no-meat pasta casserole packed with tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. This baked ziti recipe no meat is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy weeknight meal—no one will miss the meat!
Equipment
- Large Pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Strainer or Colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce divided
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Optional)
Sautéed veggies (spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms)
Extra herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil Pasta: Cook ziti in salted water one minute less than package directions. Drain.
- Combine Ricotta Mix: In a bowl, blend ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauce the Pasta: In the pot, stir cooked ziti with about 3 cups of marinara sauce.
- Assemble: Grease a 9×13-inch dish. Spread a thin layer of sauce. Add half the pasta. Spread ricotta mixture. Top with the remaining pasta. Pour leftover sauce on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
This dish is naturally vegetarian and can be adapted to accommodate various dietary preferences by swapping cheeses or adding extra veggies.