Description
This Meatless Baked Ziti is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian pasta casserole. It features tender ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce layered with creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, creating a cheesy, bubbly dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz ziti or rigatoni pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the ziti later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti or rigatoni pasta in salted water until it is just al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Garlic (Optional): In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. This step adds extra flavor to the dish but can be omitted if desired.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Mix well to create a creamy cheese mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the remaining marinara sauce (and sautéed garlic if using) until evenly coated.
- Layer Ingredients: Add half of the sauced pasta to the baking dish. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining sauced pasta over the first layer, then spread the remaining ricotta mixture and sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhances the flavor but dried herbs can be substituted if fresh are not available.
- Sautéing garlic in olive oil is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta initially as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps it hold together when serving.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheeses and skip the egg.
