Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe for a Comforting Pasta Dinner
A comforting meatless baked ziti layered with tangy tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. This easy pasta casserole bakes until bubbly and golden, creating a rich, satisfying vegetarian dinner the whole table will enjoy.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 24-oz jar pasta sauce divided
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 tsp fresh oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Cook the Pasta
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning the pasta should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly to remove excess water and set it aside.
Prepare the Cheese and Pasta Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with 1½ cups of the pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, beaten egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and all ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture forms the creamy base of the baked ziti.
Assemble the Dish
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the remaining 1½ cups of pasta sauce evenly over the top of the pasta. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese across the surface.
Bake the Ziti
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and the cheese begins to bubble around the edges.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the pasta set slightly, making it easier to portion.
- Serve warm.
Notes
To prepare a gluten-free version of this Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe for a Comforting Pasta Dinner, replace the traditional ziti with a certified gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or lentil flour.
Cook the gluten-free pasta just until slightly firm, as gluten-free noodles can soften quickly during baking. Additionally, verify that the pasta sauce and seasonings are labeled gluten-free, as some packaged sauces may contain hidden gluten ingredients or additives.
With these simple adjustments, the recipe can be enjoyed as a satisfying gluten-free vegetarian pasta dish.