Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe
Layers of pasta, marinara, and bubbling cheese make this vegetarian baked ziti an instant family favorite. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for any gathering.
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Why I Keep Coming Back to Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Some dishes just have a way of bringing comfort with every single bite—and vegetarian baked ziti does that in spades. I find there's something especially satisfying about a pan of bubbling cheese, tender pasta, and savory tomato sauce pulled hot from the oven.
I've made this recipe for weeknight dinners, Sunday meal preps, and even gatherings with friends. It always disappears fast. No one ever complains that it's meatless—it's just that good, with the blend of three cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan) carrying every forkful.
What I love about this baked ziti:
- Easily made in advance—just assemble, refrigerate, and bake later.
- Crowd-pleasing—works for vegetarians and even staunch meat eaters.
- Pairs well with a simple salad and a glass of red—classic comfort.
The mix of Italian seasoning with creamy ricotta and tangy marinara is just unbeatable, and the melted mozzarella on top seals the deal for me every time. I’m convinced that once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it just as often as I do.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Bubbling baked ziti layered with a trio of cheeses and tangy marinara sauce—an easy, classic vegetarian comfort dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with marinara sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- 4
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture on the bottom. Spoon the cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- 5
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 6
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
You can prepare the dish ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Serves: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: 350
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or most other tube-shaped pasta will work well in place of ziti.
Use a gluten-free ziti or similar gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Yes! Assemble but do not bake, then wrap well and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
You can substitute the cheese and egg with vegan alternatives. Use vegan ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, plus a flaxseed egg or another vegan egg replacer.
