The Ultimate Meatless Baked Ziti

Baked ziti with ricotta cheese in a casserole dish.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 1

Servings: people

Calories: 549kcal

Author: Aleka Shunk

This delicious meatless baked ziti is packed with layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for entertaining 6 or more!

Print Recipe

Equipment

1 12" x 9" baking dish *This one is similar to mine and I love the color!

Ingredients

1 lb rigatoni I used mezzi rigatoni
32 oz marinara sauce
8 oz mozzarella, shredded
½ cup parmesan or pecorino romano cheese
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 handful fresh basil

Instructions

If baking right away, preheat oven to 350℉.
Boil your pasta for 9 minutes in a large pot. Make sure to salt the water WELL before adding the pasta.
Remove 1 cup of pasta water right before you strain the pasta. I usually (carefully) dunk a measuring cup into the water. A large mug would work well. Set this aside.
Strain the pasta and then add it back to the pot along with 28 oz of marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 oz), parmesan, salt and the reserved pasta water. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into a 12" x 9" baking dish and press it all down using a spatula.
Scoop the ricotta cheese over the top into 6-8 small mounds. I like to use an ice cream scooper for this. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over top.
Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes. *If using foil, make sure to tent your foil so it does not stick to the cheese.
When it's ready, remove lid and garnish with freshly chopped basil and freshly cracked black pepper.

Video

Notes

Top Baked Ziti Tips

Here are five essential tips for making the perfect baked ziti:

1. Undercooking the pasta a bit is VERY important. It will continue to cook in the oven and we don't want mushy ziti.

2. Opt for a high-quality marinara or make your own to enhance the dish's overall flavor. A rich and well-seasoned sauce is key to a delicious baked ziti.

3. Feel free to use a combination of cheeses like monterey jack, Pecorino romano, provolone, gouda or fontina cheese.

5. I prefer to add mostly ricotta cheese to the top versus loads of mozzarella because it looks 100 times more appetizing when the mozzarella cools and hardens.

Have you tried my reverse stuffed shells? (It went viral on IG!)

Nutrition