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Cheesy baked ziti recipe no meat with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, served in a casserole dish – vegetarian version with no meat

The Best Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat

This easy baked ziti recipe with no meat is cheesy, hearty, and perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a comforting, satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cheese grater
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta:

  • Boil a large pot of salted water. Add ziti and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and toss with a little olive oil.

Prepare the cheese mixture:

  • In a bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Make the sauce:

  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Assemble the dish:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce. Repeat layers. Top with remaining mozzarella.

Bake:

  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 5–10 more minutes until bubbly and golden. Optionally, broil for 2 minutes for a crispy top.

Notes

 ✔️ Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
 ✔️ Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
 ✔️ Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 24 hours before baking.
 ✔️ Freezes well for up to 3 months before baking.