Easy Meatless Baked Ziti

There is nothing quite as comforting as this easy meatless baked ziti bubbling from the oven with layers of creamy ricotta and stretchy mozzarella. I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it brings everyone to the table with almost zero fuss. You do not need to be an expert to get a perfect pan of cheesy baked ziti every time.

Baked ziti was a game changer for me when I first started cooking for a crowd I made this version for vegetarian friends and now it is the most requested recipe at our family gatherings

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: Brings sturdy texture that holds sauce well look for bronze cut varieties for extra sauce cling
• Pasta sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture choose a high quality jarred brand with a short ingredient list or make your own if time allows
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creates soft creamy layers fresher ricotta has a sweet milky aroma
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers classic stretchy melt buy blocks and grate fresh for the best texture
• Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture ensuring a sliceable casserole always use a fresh egg
• Garlic: Gives depth and a savory boost look for plump firm cloves with tight skins
• Italian seasoning: Brings herbal complexity use blends with oregano basil and thyme at the forefront
• Freshly ground black pepper: Wakes up all the flavors grind just before using
• Grated pecorino romano cheese: For salty richness and signature Italian tang choose pecorino that smells sharp and slightly nutty

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil Drop in the ziti and stir gently Cook until just al dente then drain well The pasta should be slightly firm because it will finish cooking in the oven

Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a large mixing bowl combine one and a half cups of the pasta sauce with the ricotta cheese one cup of mozzarella cheese the egg minced garlic Italian seasoning and black pepper Stir this thoroughly until smooth and evenly mixed You want the cheese to be fully blended without any streaks of egg

Assemble the Dish

Pour half a cup of pasta sauce over the bottom of a thirteen by nine inch baking dish This prevents sticking Add the cooked pasta and the ricotta cheese mixture to the dish Toss everything together gently so the noodles are thoroughly coated Spread into an even layer

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining cup of pasta sauce evenly over the top Sprinkle on the rest of the shredded mozzarella followed by all the grated pecorino romano so every bite gets a blanket of melty cheese

Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake on the center oven rack for twenty five minutes The steam will melt the cheese and blend all the flavors

Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven Bake for another ten to fifteen minutes or until bubbling hot and the cheese is beautifully melted and golden on the edges

Rest Before Serving

Remove from the oven and let your baked ziti rest for ten minutes before serving This helps it set up so each portion holds together

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Pecorino romano is my secret weapon in this recipe It gives each bite extra richness and a savory tang My family always jokes that we can never have too much cheese on our ziti and there is friendly competition for the crispy golden corner pieces

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days Store directly in the baking dish covered tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers To reheat bake covered at three hundred fifty degrees until hot throughout You can also microwave individual portions for quicker meals The casserole also freezes well Simply cut into portions then wrap and freeze for up to two months Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap penne or rigatoni for ziti as they have similar shapes and hold sauce nicely Cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta if needed but gives a lighter result Add sautéed spinach cooked mushrooms or diced zucchini right into the ricotta mixture for veggie boosts

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked ziti with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal Garlic bread or focaccia is always a hit for soaking up extra sauce Pair with a glass of red wine for a simple Italian inspired dinner

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When I first tried making baked ziti I realized how low stress it could be and how forgiving the recipe is It was a relief for family gatherings and has become the backbone of our comfort food dinners With a few tweaks you can make it your own and enjoy endless cheesy delicious meals

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can regular ziti be replaced with another pasta shape?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work well, holding the sauce and cheese similarly for an equally hearty result.

→ How do you keep baked ziti from drying out?

Ensure there is enough sauce layered between the pasta and cheese to keep the dish moist throughout baking.

→ Is it necessary to cover baked ziti when baking?

Covering with foil helps keep moisture in until the final bake, ensuring the cheese melts evenly without overbrowning.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble ziti up to a day before and refrigerate covered, baking just before serving for maximum freshness.

→ What can be served alongside baked ziti?

Pair with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal.