Name: Meatless Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 oz ziti pasta; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional); ½ small onion, diced (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

When comfort food calls, Meatless Baked Ziti is the answer. This oven-baked pasta dish skips the meat but never the flavor. It’s bubbling with cheesy goodness, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The rich layers come together for a hearty, family-friendly meal that satisfies vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

The real magic of this dish is how simple ingredients create something so satisfying. Whether you’re prepping it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for busy days, or serving a crowd, this ziti will deliver every time. Expect cheesy layers, bold flavors, and a golden-bubbly top that makes it hard to resist going back for seconds.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

For a successful Meatless Baked Ziti, your kitchen setup matters. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Pot: To boil your pasta evenly and quickly.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked ziti properly, preventing sogginess.
Mixing Bowls: Use these to combine cheeses and sauces easily.

Casserole Dish (9×13 inch): The heart of this recipe! This ensures even baking and holds the layers beautifully.
Spatula or Spoon: Handy for mixing and layering the ingredients.
Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent the cheese from burning during the first part of baking.

Oven Mitts & Tongs: Safety first when removing your bubbling masterpiece from the oven.

Having these tools ready not only streamlines your cooking but ensures your ziti bakes up with the perfect consistency and structure.

Ingredients for the Meatless Baked Ziti

Ziti Pasta: The star of the show! This tubular pasta holds sauce and cheese in every bite.

Marinara Sauce: Use a rich, garlicky marinara for depth of flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and body to the filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that crave-worthy cheesy stretch.

Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, it balances the creaminess with a salty finish.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Brightens and freshens each bite.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps flavor and prevents sticking.

Garlic & Onion (optional): For sautéing before mixing into the sauce if you want a more robust base.
Salt & Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.

How To Make the Meatless Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the box says). Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Blend

In a large bowl, stir together ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped basil or parsley.

Step 3: Combine with Sauce

Add about 3 cups of marinara sauce to the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Layer the Dish

Spread a layer of sauce-coated pasta in the bottom of your casserole dish. Add dollops of the ricotta blend, then repeat layers until the dish is full. Finish with remaining marinara, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes if you’d like a golden top.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to let everything settle and slice cleanly.

How to Serve and Store Your Meatless Baked Ziti

Serve this dish straight from the oven with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil and a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. It’s hearty enough to be the main course, yet versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides.

For leftovers, let the ziti cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or a plant-based ricotta alternative for a similar creamy texture.

Can I make this baked ziti gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, but be sure to cook it a little under to prevent mushiness when baked.

How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Cook it al dente and make sure to drain it well. A light toss in olive oil also helps it hold its shape.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What cheeses melt best for baked ziti?

Low-moisture mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan give the best melt and flavor without becoming greasy.

Is it possible to add veggies?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can all be sautéed and layered in for added nutrition.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re a fan of cheesy, oven-baked pasta dishes like this, you’ll love exploring more comforting and flavorful options:

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a creamy twist packed with greens.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole if you’re craving a rich, layered pasta bake.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for cozy vibes with a protein boost.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for garlic lovers looking for a little extra.

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup if you like your pasta with a spoon.

And for even more recipes I cook and love daily, check out my Pinterest: Life With Olivia.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add any veggies or extra herbs? Maybe even a touch of spice?

I love hearing how others bring their own flair to these comfort classics. Questions are always welcome—let’s make dinner delicious together!

Meatless Baked Ziti

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Meatless Baked Ziti is a family favorite comfort dish packed with cheesy layers, rich marinara, and tender pasta—no meat required. It’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection and ideal for make-ahead dinners, freezer meals, or feeding a crowd.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with olive oil.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.

4. Mix drained pasta with 3 cups of marinara sauce until well coated.

5. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer pasta, dollops of ricotta mixture, and more pasta. Repeat layers until the dish is full.

6. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly.

8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden cheese top.

9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.