Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat – Irresistibly Cheesy & Delicious
View Gallery 3 photos Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat – Irresistibly Cheesy & Delicious
Description
Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat – Easy, Cheesy, and Satisfying
baked ziti recipe no meat
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that brings together tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese in a perfectly baked dish. This vegetarian version is hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a meatless meal that the whole family will love. The dish is easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients, yet it delivers incredible taste and texture.
The combination of ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy and cheesy consistency, while the homemade tomato sauce adds depth and richness. The sauce, made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, is simmered to enhance its flavor before being layered with the pasta and cheese. Once assembled, the baked ziti recipe no meat is cooked in the oven until the top is golden brown and bubbling with melted cheese.
This dish is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep since it can be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later. You can also customize it by adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that is both comforting and delicious.
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Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix Pasta & Cheese:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, 1 cup of the tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread ½ cup of sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Pour another 1 cup of sauce over the top.
- Repeat with remaining pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish with the remaining sauce.
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 580mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 17g34%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For Extra Creaminess: Mix ½ cup heavy cream into the sauce before assembling.
- Make It Healthier: Use whole wheat ziti and part-skim cheese.
- Add Vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Assemble a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?
Yes! You can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other tube-shaped pasta. These types of pasta hold the sauce well and work perfectly in baked dishes.
2. Can I make baked ziti recipe no meat ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I freeze baked ziti recipe no meat?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Tightly cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.
4. How do I reheat baked ziti recipe no meat?
For reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for around 20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
5. Can I make baked ziti recipe no meat without ricotta cheese?
Yes! If you don’t like ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce as a creamy alternative.
6. What can I add to make baked ziti recipe no meat more flavorful?
You can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley also enhance the flavor.
7. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use a good-quality jarred marinara or pasta sauce to save time. Making your own sauce gives you full control over the ingredients and lets you customize the flavors to your preference.
8. How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta, part-skim cheese, and add more vegetables. You can also reduce the amount of cheese for a lower-calorie option.
9. What should I serve with baked ziti recipe no meat?
Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables make perfect side dishes to complement baked ziti. It also goes great with a light soup like minestrone.
10. Can I make baked ziti vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, replace ricotta with blended tofu or cashew cream, and make sure your pasta sauce is free of animal products.
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