Description
This Meatless Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole that layers tender pasta with marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection, this vegetarian dish is flavorful, hearty, and easy to prepare for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your baked ziti doesn’t stick.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil or parsley, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Layer First Half: Spread a thin layer of the warmed marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti evenly over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with one cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Layer Second Half: Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce. Top the final layer with the remaining shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- To prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking, stir occasionally in boiling water.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Fresh herbs like basil add brightness, but dried herbs can be substituted using 1 teaspoon for 2 tablespoons fresh.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce while warming.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
