Name: Meatless Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

When you’re craving comfort food without the heaviness of meat, this Meatless Baked Ziti delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness you want in a baked pasta dish. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that layers tender pasta with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, all baked to perfection.

This dish is not only hearty and satisfying, it’s also budget-friendly and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this ziti is always a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables without anyone noticing.

Why You’ll Love This Meatless Baked Ziti

It’s the perfect vegetarian option that still feels indulgent and cozy. There’s no compromise on flavor here: the combination of melted cheese, tomato sauce, and al dente pasta satisfies like a classic baked ziti, just without the meat. It’s also a freezer-friendly option that reheats beautifully, making it great for planning ahead.

What Kind of Pasta Sauce Should I Use?

You can use your favorite store-bought marinara or go for a homemade tomato basil sauce if you have a bit more time. Choose a sauce with rich tomato flavor and minimal added sugar. If you want a bit more kick, opt for a spicy arrabbiata.

Ingredients for the Meatless Baked Ziti

This recipe calls for simple pantry and fridge staples that come together into a classic comfort dish. The ingredients are flexible, so feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies to customize.

Ziti pasta
Marinara sauce
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

These ingredients blend creamy textures with herby, savory flavor. The egg helps bind the ricotta mixture so it doesn’t ooze out when served, and the trio of cheeses makes this dish truly indulgent.

How To Make the Meatless Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti in salted water until just under al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

Step 3: Layer the Ziti

In a greased baking dish, start with a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add half of the cooked pasta, then dollop and spread the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with more sauce and extra mozzarella on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Allow the ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving so it holds together when sliced.

Serving and Storing Meatless Baked Ziti

This dish feeds about 6 generous portions, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Meatless Baked Ziti?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the classic side that’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A chilled Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing balances the warmth and richness of the ziti.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to add color and nutrition to your plate.

Caprese Salad

Slices of tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil dressed in olive oil offer a bright and refreshing side.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick and easy, spinach brings iron-rich greens to the meal without extra effort.

Antipasto Platter

Add some marinated artichokes, olives, and cheeses for an Italian-inspired starter.

Minestrone Soup

A light veggie soup pairs nicely and makes the whole meal feel cozier.

Simple Cucumber Salad

A refreshing cucumber and red onion salad with vinaigrette adds a cool crunch to contrast the baked pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Meatless Baked Ziti, you’ll definitely enjoy these other pasta favorites:

Creamy Cajun Linguine for a bold and spicy twist.
Cheesy Baked Ziti if you want the meaty version.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a hearty one-pan option.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a comforting and balanced dinner.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini if you’re craving something extra cheesy.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your ziti turned out. Did you stick to the original or sneak in some spinach? Maybe swapped in penne for ziti? I love hearing how these recipes get remixed.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comforting pastas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish.

Conclusion

Meatless Baked Ziti proves that you don’t need meat to create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s a family favorite that’s endlessly adaptable and always hits the spot, whether you’re serving vegetarians or just trying to eat a little lighter.