Watch the Recipe Video

Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Baked Ziti

Crafting this incredible Meatless Baked Ziti requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips:

• Ziti Pasta: The star of the dish! Ziti’s tube shape is perfect for capturing the rich sauce and creamy cheese. If ziti isn’t available, you can easily substitute with other similar-shaped pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. The key is to slightly undercook the pasta to just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook and soften while baking in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Marinara Sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce forms the flavorful base of this baked ziti. You can opt for a vibrant homemade marinara for a truly authentic taste, or choose your favorite jarred brand. I personally recommend Rao’s Homemade Marinara for its exceptional depth of flavor that truly stands out among jarred sauces. While this recipe is meatless, you can certainly use a meat sauce if you prefer, adjusting for the vegetarian nature of the rest of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This seasoning infuses the marinara with an aromatic and traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that signature gooey, stretchy texture. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more evenly and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Egg: Acts as a binder for the ricotta cheese mixture, helping it hold its shape and preventing it from becoming too watery during baking.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides a wonderfully creamy and slightly tangy layer that balances the richness of the marinara and mozzarella. For the best texture and flavor, I always use whole milk ricotta. It adds a luxurious creaminess that cannot be beaten.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and sharp flavor to the ricotta mixture, enhancing the overall cheesiness of the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan is always recommended for superior taste.
• Dried Parsley: Incorporates a fresh, herbaceous note into the ricotta mixture. I also love to add fresh chopped parsley as a garnish for a pop of color and enhanced aroma when serving.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the ricotta mixture and balancing the flavors.
• Not pictured, but crucial: Nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Meatless Baked Ziti

Creating this delicious Cheesy Meatless Baked Ziti is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result every time:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 3-quart casserole or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are covered to prevent sticking.

Next, cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions. However, make sure to cook it slightly under al dente – about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time. This ensures the pasta remains firm and doesn’t turn mushy during baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly (1).

In a medium-sized bowl, combine your favorite marinara sauce with the Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sauce (2). From this mixture, remove approximately 2 cups of the seasoned marinara sauce and set it aside for later layering. This reserved sauce will form the top layer, ensuring a beautiful, saucy finish.

Now, add the remaining seasoned marinara sauce to the large bowl with the cooked ziti pasta. Stir gently until all the pasta is well-coated with the rich sauce (3). In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg thoroughly until the yolk and white are fully combined (4).

To the beaten egg, add the creamy ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and salt. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are well-blended and the mixture is smooth and uniform (5). This ricotta layer is key to the dish’s irresistible creaminess.

Now, it’s time to assemble! Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish (6). Over this first layer of pasta, sprinkle one-third of your shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, carefully dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over the mozzarella using a spoon. Gently spread the ricotta mixture to cover the mozzarella layer as evenly as possible (7).

Place the remaining pasta mixture on top of the ricotta layer, spreading it out to create an even second pasta layer. Sprinkle another one-third of the mozzarella cheese over this pasta layer (8).

Finally, take the 2 cups of reserved marinara sauce and spread it evenly over the top layer of pasta and mozzarella, making sure to coat all the pasta edges. This ensures a rich, saucy top before the final cheese layer.

Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the marinara sauce. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown crust when baked.

Bake the ziti, uncovered, in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes, or until the center is very hot and the edges are bubbling merrily. The cheese on top should be beautifully melted and lightly golden. For an extra touch, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, watching carefully, to get a slightly more browned and crispy cheese topping.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

This easy baked ziti recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile for storage and meal planning. Here’s how to properly store and freeze it to enjoy later:

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Cheesy Meatless Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for delicious lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave, or cover and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes for a larger portion.

Freezing for Later

This vegetarian baked ziti recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for future meals. You can prepare it ahead of time in a freezer- and oven-safe baking pan but do not bake it. Once assembled, wrap the dish securely with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3-4 months.

To Use Frozen Baked Ziti:

Thaw the frozen baked ziti overnight in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake according to the recipe instructions (uncovered, in a preheated 350°F/175°C oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly). If baking directly from frozen (without thawing), cover the dish with foil for the first 45-60 minutes to prevent the top from burning, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and bubbly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Cheesy Meatless Baked Ziti

Share
Pin