Vegetarian Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Cheesy & Creamy Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate guide to making a truly unforgettable Vegetarian Baked Ziti. This isn’t just another pasta bake; it’s a rich, decadent, and incredibly satisfying casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure every bite is loaded with creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and a perfectly golden, bubbly cheese topping. It’s the perfect meatless meal for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a potluck showstopper.

Forget dry, bland pasta bakes. Our secret lies in the perfectly seasoned ricotta filling and using just the right amount of sauce to coat the ziti. This dish is hearty, comforting, and packed with classic Italian-American flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite veggies!

Why This Is the Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti

You’ll fall in love with this recipe from the very first bite. It’s designed to be straightforward for enthusiastic home cooks while delivering restaurant-quality results every single time.

• Perfectly Creamy Filling: We use a blend of whole milk ricotta, Parmesan, fresh parsley, and seasoning to create a luscious, flavorful layer that sets this dish apart.
• No-Fail Sauce Method: We’ll show you the ideal pasta-to-sauce ratio to ensure your baked ziti is moist and delicious, never dry or watery.
• Customizable & Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic base for adding your favorite vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini all work beautifully.
• Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: It’s the perfect dish for meal prep. We’ll provide clear instructions for assembling it ahead of time or freezing it for a later date.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect meatless baked ziti requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• Ziti Pasta: One pound of ziti is the classic choice, but penne or rigatoni work great as substitutes.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite high-quality jarred marinara sauce to save time. A 24-ounce jar is perfect.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the essential flavor base for the sauce.

For the Cheesy Ricotta Filling:

• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: Don’t substitute with part-skim! Whole milk ricotta provides the rich, creamy texture that makes this dish divine.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: You’ll need plenty for both the layers and the generous topping.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness of the other cheeses.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the ricotta filling set beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a touch of fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flawless Vegetarian Baked Ziti. Our method ensures perfect layers and a deliciously cheesy result.

1. Prepare the Pasta and Sauce Base

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti according to package directions, but make sure it’s al dente (still firm to the bite). It will finish cooking in the oven. While the pasta cooks, sauté a diced onion in olive oil until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in your marinara sauce and let it simmer.

2. Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella, a half-cup of grated Parmesan, a large egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of your baked ziti.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot. Pour about two-thirds of the warm marinara sauce over the pasta and stir gently to coat every piece. This step ensures the final dish is moist and flavorful throughout.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Now, let’s build the layers. Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the sauce-coated ziti. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it gently. Sprinkle with a cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining ziti, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and the remaining marinara sauce. For a perfect topping, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. Let the Vegetarian Baked Ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it much easier to cut and serve clean slices.

Tips for Success

A few simple tips can elevate your baked ziti from good to absolutely amazing.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Boiling the pasta to a true al dente is crucial. It will absorb sauce and continue cooking in the oven, so starting with slightly undercooked pasta prevents a mushy result.
• Use Whole Milk Cheeses: For the creamiest, richest flavor and texture, always opt for whole milk ricotta and mozzarella.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the baked ziti to rest before cutting is the key to getting clean, beautiful servings that hold their shape.
• Season Every Layer: Be sure to season your ricotta mixture and check your sauce for seasoning. Well-seasoned layers create a more flavorful final dish. Looking for a perfect side? Try these delicious homemade garlic knots.

Variations and Add-Ins

This is a fantastic base recipe for a Vegetarian Baked Ziti. Feel free to get creative and add more veggies to make it your own!

• Add Spinach: Thaw a package of frozen chopped spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible. Mix it into the ricotta filling for a classic flavor combination.
• Include Roasted Vegetables: Roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini add a wonderful depth of flavor. Chop them and layer them in with the pasta. For another great vegetable-packed meal, check out our hearty winter vegetable casserole.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little kick of heat.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

Making It Ahead

You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow all the steps right up until baking, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through. A fresh side like a lemon herb quinoa salad pairs wonderfully with leftovers.

Freezing Baked Ziti

Baked ziti freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking pan, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the total bake time.

What to Serve with Vegetarian Baked Ziti

This hearty pasta dish pairs perfectly with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a classic choice. For something warm, consider crispy air fryer broccoli or sautéed green beans. And of course, you can never go wrong with a side of warm garlic bread or knots to soak up any extra sauce.

Recipe

Vegetarian Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Cheesy & Creamy Recipe

This Vegetarian Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring layers of tender ziti pasta, creamy ricotta filling, rich marinara sauce, and a perfectly golden, bubbly mozzarella topping. An easy, make-ahead meal the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Ziti Pasta Penne or rigatoni can be substituted.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 24 oz Marinara Sauce your favorite brand
• 32 oz Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
• 1 large Egg lightly beaten
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese divided
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese divided

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Pot
• 1 Large Skillet

Instructions

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, the beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. In the large pot, combine the cooked ziti with about 2/3 of the marinara sauce, stirring to coat the pasta completely.
6. Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the ziti mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti. Sprinkle with 1.5 cups of mozzarella. Repeat the layers: remaining ziti, remaining ricotta mixture.
7. Pour any remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1.5 cups of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
9. Let the baked ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

For the best results: Use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Creation!

We are so excited for you to try this delicious Vegetarian Baked Ziti recipe! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that we’re sure you’ll make again and again. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on Pinterest!