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Meatless Baked Ziti recipe

Golden Meatless Baked Ziti

Chef Roberto, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while holding a plate of freshly made pasta garnished with basil.Roberto
A delicious and comforting meatless dish perfect for winter dinners, featuring ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking dish 9x13 inch
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large
  • 1 Saucepan

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes, then add fresh basil.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and spinach. Mix well to ensure even distribution.

Serving

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden.

Storage

  • Allow the baked ziti to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: For a richer flavor, use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs. Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain texture.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
How to Serve: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions.
Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the ziti a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Increase baking time by 10 minutes if baking from cold.
Keyword baked ziti recipe, meatless baked ziti, vegetarian baked ziti