Name: Meatless Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 24 oz tomato passata/marinara sauce ((see note 1)); 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon ground fennel; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 10 oz ziti pasta ((see note 2)); 1 cup ricotta ((see note 3)); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ((see note 4)); ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese ((see note 4)); Fresh parsley or basil for garnish ((optional))

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If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, look no further than this Meatless Baked Ziti. This Italian-American classic is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead. With layers of cheesy goodness and rich marinara sauce, this dish will satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing taste or texture. So grab your apron because we’re about to dive into a delicious journey!

Why It Works Every Time

This Meatless Baked Ziti works beautifully for several reasons. The combination of flavors from the sautéed vegetables, the aromatic herbs, and the creamy ricotta cheese creates a well-rounded and satisfying dish. The ziti pasta holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Baking it in the oven allows the cheeses to melt and meld together, forming a bubbly, golden topping that is irresistible. It’s an easy one-pot dish that can be prepped ahead of time, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.

What Goes Into Meatless Baked Ziti

This Meatless Baked Ziti is simple yet delightful, made with the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz tomato passata/marinara sauce (see note 1)
2 teaspoons dried Italian herb
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground fennel
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
10 oz ziti pasta (see note 2)
1 cup ricotta (see note 3)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (see note 4)
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (see note 4)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Setup & Equipment

To prepare this Meatless Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following equipment:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet for sautéing vegetables
Mixing bowl for the cheese mixture
Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
Wooden spoon for mixing
Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)

Step-by-Step: Meatless Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Meatless Baked Ziti bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden top.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, sautéing until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Seasonings

To the skillet with the vegetables, add the tomato passata or marinara sauce along with the dried Italian herbs, oregano, sugar, ground fennel, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sauce mixture, making sure each piece of pasta is well-coated.

Step 7: Layer the Dish

In your baking dish, spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly. Then dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top of the baked ziti. This will create a deliciously gooey and cheesy crust.

Step 9: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the layers of cheesy goodness!

In-Season Swaps

Feel free to customize your Meatless Baked Ziti with seasonal vegetables or your favorites. Here are some ideas:

Spinach or kale for added greens
Bell peppers for a sweeter flavor
Zucchini or summer squash for extra texture
Mushrooms for an earthy depth

Don’t Do This

When making Meatless Baked Ziti, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook while baking.
Avoid skipping the seasoning; they add essential flavors to the dish.
Don’t rush the sautéing process; properly cooked vegetables enhance the overall taste.
Be careful not to under-season the cheese mixture; a little salt and pepper can go a long way.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Meatless Baked Ziti is perfect for freezing! Here’s how to do it:

Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before freezing.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this Meatless Baked Ziti vegan by substituting the ricotta with a plant-based alternative and using vegan mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

How can I make this spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños. You can also top it with a spicy marinara sauce before serving.

What should I serve with Meatless Baked Ziti?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

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Before You Go

This Meatless Baked Ziti is sure to become a favorite in your household. Not only is it easy to make, but it also delivers on flavor and comfort. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or saving it for later, this dish is a reminder that meatless meals can be just as satisfying and delicious. Give it a try, and let the warm, cheesy goodness envelop you in a comforting embrace!