This vegetarian baked ziti is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, it offers rich flavors and a hearty texture without any meat.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a meatless meal that still delivers on taste.
Overview of Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table.
With its layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, this dish is a favorite for family gatherings and casual meals alike.
The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience that appeals to both vegetarians and meat lovers.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The foundation of baked ziti lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Ziti pasta serves as the base, providing a hearty texture that holds up well to the sauce and cheese.
Marinara sauce adds a tangy richness, while ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses contribute creaminess and depth of flavor.
Seasonings like Italian herbs enhance the overall taste, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.
Optional garnishes, such as fresh basil or parsley, not only add a pop of color but also elevate the dish’s presentation.
Preparation Steps
Preparing baked ziti is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for cooks of all skill levels.
Start by cooking the ziti pasta until it’s al dente, ensuring it retains a slight firmness.
While the pasta cooks, mix together the ricotta cheese with an egg and seasonings to create a smooth filling.
Layering is key to achieving the perfect baked ziti.
Begin with a layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish, followed by half of the cooked pasta, then half of the ricotta mixture, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
Repeat these layers, finishing with more sauce and a topping of Parmesan cheese for that golden crust.
Baking to Perfection
Baking is where the magic happens.
Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture, allowing the cheese to melt evenly.
After about 25 minutes, removing the foil lets the top brown beautifully, creating a bubbly, inviting surface.
The total baking time is around 45 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together wonderfully.
Letting the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving allows it to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, pair baked ziti with a slice of garlic bread and a fresh salad.
The garlic bread complements the dish perfectly, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the ziti.
Garnishing with fresh basil not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of freshness that brightens the dish.
This combination creates a warm and inviting presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
Nutritional Benefits
Baked ziti is not just delicious; it also offers nutritional benefits.
With a serving size of six, it provides a balanced meal option that includes carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
The use of ricotta and mozzarella cheese contributes to the protein content, making it a satisfying choice for vegetarians.
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty yet manageable option for dinner.
The dish can easily be customized with additional vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to enhance its nutritional profile.
Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe
This baked ziti features layers of tender pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Finish with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and any leftover mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g