This Meatless Baked Ziti is flavorful, cheesy, and surprisingly easy to make. Ziti is tossed with marinara, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella and a few simple seasonings, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a family favorite that’s ready in about 45 minutes.
Meatless pasta dishes like this one are comforting and filling even without meat. Baked ziti was a favorite growing up and remains a go-to for busy weeknights and holiday meals.
This recipe works especially well for gatherings and holidays: it’s affordable, feeds a crowd, and is vegetarian-friendly. Kids and adults both love it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple. Boil the pasta, mix the filling, and bake.
- Comfort food. Cheesy, hearty, and ideal for cooler months.
- Vegetarian friendly. No meat required—still satisfying for omnivores.
- Budget friendly. Made with pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients.
Ingredients:
Ziti: Tube-shaped pasta holds the creamy filling. Cook the noodles until just al dente, or a few minutes before, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or a quick homemade marinara for best flavor. Reserve some sauce for topping when serving.
Ricotta: Provides a creamy base for the filling. Whole milk ricotta gives the richest texture, but part-skim works too.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Used in the filling and as a topping. Pre-shredded cheese saves time, but freshly grated melts and tastes better.
*Full ingredient quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations:
Want more vegetables? Stir 2 ounces of fresh baby spinach into the ricotta mixture.
Feeding meat lovers? Serve baked Italian sausage or small meatballs on the side so everyone can customize their plate.
How to Make Meatless Baked Ziti:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente, or a few minutes shy. Drain.
Step 2: In a large bowl combine half of the mozzarella and parmesan with the ricotta, whisked egg, minced garlic, and the dried herbs and seasonings. Mix until smooth. Reserve the remaining cheeses for the top.
Step 3: Stir 1 cup of marinara into the cheese mixture so everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Add the cooked ziti to the bowl and fold gently to coat each piece. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
Step 5: Spoon ½ cup of marinara over the top to add moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes, or broil 3–5 minutes for a browned, crispy top.
Step 7: Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Warm any extra marinara to serve alongside.
Step 8: Cut into portions and enjoy while hot.
Expert Tips:
- Undercook the pasta slightly. The noodles will finish cooking in the oven and stay firm, not mushy.
- Serve extra marinara on the side. The casserole absorbs sauce as it bakes, so a little extra makes each serving saucier.
Recipe FAQs:
Yes. Cook the pasta until just before al dente or right at al dente. It will continue to soften in the oven and you want a firm bite.
Both use similar ingredients—pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and marinara. Lasagna requires layering sheets and more assembly, while baked ziti is mixed together and quicker to prepare.
Cover the dish for most of the bake time to trap moisture and prevent drying. Remove the foil near the end or broil briefly for a golden top.
Cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave until hot. Serve with warmed marinara.
More Meatless Recipes You Will Love:
-
Simply Potatoes Cheesy Hash brown Casserole -
Burrata Bruschetta
-
Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk
-
Arugula Pear Salad
If you tried this Baked Ziti Recipe or another recipe, please leave a star rating and share how it turned out in the comments. I love hearing from readers!
Recipe
Meatless Baked Ziti
5 from 1 review
- Author: Tara Smithson
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Meatless Baked Ziti combines tender ziti with a creamy ricotta filling and tangy marinara. It’s simple to prepare and bakes up golden and bubbly—perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti noodles (dry)
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 25 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain.
- In a large bowl, combine half of the parmesan and mozzarella with the ricotta, whisked egg, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Reserve remaining cheeses for topping.
- Stir 1 cup of marinara into the cheese mixture.
- Add the cooked ziti and fold gently to coat. Transfer to a casserole dish.
- Spoon ½ cup marinara over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes, or broil 3–5 minutes to brown the top.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Warm extra marinara to serve alongside.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly under al dente to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
- Offer extra marinara at the table since the casserole absorbs sauce while baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian