Description
This meatless baked ziti is a cheesy, comforting vegetarian dinner made with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce that’s perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
12 oz ziti or rigatoni pasta
3 cups marinara sauce
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
(Optional) Heat olive oil in a small pan and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, beaten egg, Parmesan, and herbs until well combined.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Toss cooked pasta with the remaining marinara sauce.
Add half of the sauced pasta to the dish, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over it.
Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella.
Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella.
Top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Notes
Cook pasta only until al dente—it will finish cooking in the oven.
Sautéing garlic adds extra depth to the marinara sauce.
Resting the baked ziti helps it set and slice cleanly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
