If you’re craving comfort food that hits the spot without any meat, this baked ziti recipe no meat is a fantastic choice. With layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses, this vegetarian dish is sure to satisfy. It’s a recipe that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for a family meal or a dinner party.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a meatless option, this dish brings all the savory goodness without compromise. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this baked ziti recipe no meat will become your go-to for cozy nights in. So let’s dive right into it!
Ingredients
To make this baked ziti recipe no meat, you’ll need the following ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry:
- Ziti pasta – 1 lb (you can substitute penne or rigatoni)
- Marinara sauce – 4 cups (use your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- Ricotta cheese – 1 ½ cups (adds creaminess to the dish)
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups (shredded, for that perfect melt)
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup (grated, for a salty bite)
- Egg – 1 (helps bind the cheese layer)
- Garlic – 3 cloves (minced, for an aromatic touch)
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp (for sautéing)
- Fresh basil – ¼ cup (chopped, optional but adds fresh flavor)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp (optional, for a hint of heat)
Execution
Making this baked ziti recipe no meat is as simple as boiling the pasta and layering all the delicious ingredients together. Follow these easy steps:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot to bake your ziti to golden perfection.
Cook the Ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir this into the marinara sauce, adding a little more depth to the flavor.
Layer the Ziti: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti on top of the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with a little more marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and sauce.
Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top of the final layer of sauce. For an extra golden, bubbly top, you can even sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan.
Bake the Ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil, if using, and serve warm.
Tips :
baked ziti recipe no meat :
- Use quality marinara sauce: Since there’s no meat in this dish, the sauce becomes the star. A well-seasoned marinara with rich tomato flavor is key.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Remember, the ziti will continue to cook while it bakes, so slightly undercooking it ensures it won’t get mushy in the oven.
- Mix up the cheeses: While mozzarella is traditional, you can add in other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: If you want to pack in more nutrients, you can sauté some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms and layer them in with the ziti.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance. Just refrigerate it before baking, then pop it in the oven when ready to serve.
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