Easy Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe

cheese pull with a wooden spoon getting a portion of the meatless baked ziti.

5 from 2 votes

Easy Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe

Easy Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta Cheese: Three kinds of cheese layered with pasta and homemade tomato sauce baked to golden brown perfection—delicious! This is an easy meal for any night of the week.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: baked pasta, baked ziti

Servings: -8 servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta 454 grams
4 cups 1 recipe homemade tomato sauce (you can use your favorite spaghetti sauce)
24 ounces whole milk Ricotta cheese
2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded (additional for topping)
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano cheese
1 egg beaten
Fresh Basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, or lasagna pan.
Make the homemade tomato sauce and set aside.
Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the ziti until just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain the pasta.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, and 2 1/2 cups tomato sauce in a medium bowl.
Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining pasta sauce, then sprinkle with Parmigiano cheese and extra mozzarella just a thin to cover the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes; let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with a little fresh basil, if desired.
This dish is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. The rich layers of cheese and tomato sauce make it a satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone at the table. Buon appetito!

Notes

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, boil it until it’s just al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
Rich Tomato Sauce: Use a flavorful, homemade tomato sauce if possible. The quality of your sauce can make a big difference in the depth of flavor in your dish.
Cheese Quality: Opt for full-fat, high-quality cheeses. They melt better and add more flavor and creaminess to your ziti.

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