Name: Meatless Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 4 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

A bubbling dish of Meatless Baked Ziti is everything you want in comfort food—warm, cheesy, hearty, and full of bold Italian flavors. This vegetarian twist on a classic is proof that you don’t need meat to make a pasta bake satisfying. With layers of tender ziti noodles, rich tomato sauce, velvety ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella, each bite delivers that cozy, homemade feel.

Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight family dinner or need a reliable dish to serve a crowd, this Meatless Baked Ziti fits the bill. It’s simple to put together, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly, too. The best part? Even the most die-hard meat lovers won’t miss a thing.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Baked Ziti?

Classic ziti pasta is best for this dish, but if you can’t find it, rigatoni or penne are excellent substitutes. The key is choosing a tube-shaped pasta that holds the sauce well and gives you that perfect forkful every time. Al dente is the way to go—you don’t want mushy noodles after baking.

Ingredients for the Meatless Baked Ziti

Ziti Pasta: The foundation of the dish. Its tubular shape captures all the saucy, cheesy goodness in each bite.

Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara (homemade or store-bought) is essential. Go for one with rich tomato flavor and Italian herbs.

Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess to the layers and gives the dish a smooth texture.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides that golden, gooey top everyone loves.

Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty finish that complements the other cheeses.

Egg: Helps bind the ricotta layer and adds richness.

Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.

Olive Oil & Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the base sauce if you’re doctoring up jarred marinara.

Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to taste.

How To Make the Meatless Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside. You don’t want to overcook it since it will bake in the oven and soften more.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg, half of the Parmesan, a handful of chopped parsley or basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy layer adds luscious texture to the bake.

Step 3: Layer the Dish

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of marinara sauce, followed by half the cooked pasta. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, sprinkle with mozzarella, and repeat the layers. Finish with the remaining sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden.

Step 5: Let it Rest

Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve and Store Meatless Baked Ziti

This dish is a star all on its own but pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggies. If you’re feeding a crowd, double the batch and serve straight from the oven-safe dish.

Leftovers? You’re in luck. Store the baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—just wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?

Make sure to use enough sauce and cover it with foil during the first part of baking to keep moisture locked in. Don’t skimp on the cheese either—it helps protect the pasta.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Just follow the package instructions carefully and slightly undercook it before baking so it doesn’t get mushy.

Is it okay to prepare this in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

What if I don’t like ricotta?

You can swap ricotta with cottage cheese or even a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture.

Can I add veggies?

Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers all work great. Sauté them beforehand to reduce extra moisture.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Add a spoonful of marinara or a splash of water on top before reheating in the microwave or oven. Cover with a damp paper towel (microwave) or foil (oven) to retain moisture.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this Meatless Baked Ziti has you craving more comforting, cheesy pasta dishes, check out these reader-favorites:

For more vegetarian-friendly ideas and daily meal inspiration, head over to my Pinterest board: Life with Nina Recipes.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again when the craving strikes.

And when you make this ziti, I’d love to hear how it went! Did you stick with ricotta or swap it out? Add in any roasted veggies or go full cheese lover on top?

Drop a comment and let’s chat. Sharing your tweaks helps everyone cook better and smarter together.

Meatless Baked Ziti

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Meatless Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—baked to perfection with layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and a blanket of melted mozzarella. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for the week, this vegetarian pasta bake delivers all the cozy flavors without any meat.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and warm through.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the parmesan, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.

5. Spread a layer of sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the cooked pasta, then dollop with half the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella.

6. Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.

7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

8. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.