Baked Ziti Recipe (No Meat)

Overhead view of baked ziti in square white baking dish on marble surface.

5 from 1 vote

Baked Ziti Recipe (No Meat)

This Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat is an easy weeknight dinner that's loaded with tender pasta, sauce, mozzarella cheese, and creamy ricotta.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked ziti recipe, no meat baked ziti recipe

Servings:

Calories: 299kcal

Author: LaKita Anderson

Equipment

1 large pot or saucepan
1 8x8-inch square baking dish

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
24 ounces pasta sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
1 large egg
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. and grabbing a square 8x8-inch baking dish. Set aside.
Using a large pot over medium-high heat with heavily salted water, bring it to a boil before adding the 8 ounces uncooked ziti pasta. Allow the pasta to cook until a minute under al dente, about 4 to 6 minutes. Carefully strain off the pasta water and set the cooked pasta aside. Add the 24 ounces pasta sauce and stir to combine. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add the 15 ounces ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
Add half of the pasta and sauce to the bottom of the baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer. Top with half of the ricotta mixture followed by 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
Top with the other half of the pasta and sauce, ricotta mixture, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place the pasta into the preheated oven to bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, it should be hot and bubbly.
Lastly, turn on the oven broiler to high and allow the top of the cheese to lightly toast until golden brown. Watch it carefully though, you should only need about 2 to 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the baked ziti recipe from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting to serve warm. Serve it with garlic bread and enjoy!

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta it will finish cooking in the oven. The pasta should be firm and able to be pierced with a fork. Think of pulling it a minute before al dente.
Grate the parmesan cheese yourself or grab the freshly grated version from the deli/prepared food section of the grocery store. Skip the bagged cheese section or grated cheese from the shelf for the best result and fewer added ingredients.
Use a block of mozzarella cheese and shred it yourself using a boxed cheese grater. Trust me, it melts so much better! One 8-ounce block of mozzarella cheese should provide you with more than enough shredded cheese for this recipe.
Lightly spray the aluminum foil with cooking spray before topping the pasta. Make sure the side that you sprayed is facing the ziti. This extra step will prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil.

Nutrition