BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti

BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti

12 servings
This recipe is all you need to make an all-star vegetarian baked ziti with ricotta, marinara sauce, and a layer of bright veggies. Perfect weeknight baked pasta, and you can prepare it ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for later. See notes.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb Ziti or Penne pasta
  • Extra virgin olive oil

    I used Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium red onion

    chopped

  • 2 zucchini

    small diced

  • 1 bell pepper

    cored and diced, orange or red

  • 2 garlic cloves

    minced

  • Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp dry oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 6 cups quality Marinara sauce

    store-bought is fine

  • 10 basil leaves

    torn or carefully sliced/chopped

  • 1 cup ricotta

    I used part-skim

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

    divided

  • 6 oz shredded Mozzarella

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When ready, add the pasta and cook to al dante according to package. When ready, drain pasta but save about 1/2 cup cooking water.

  3. 3

    While the pasta is cooking , cook the vegetables. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes or so, tossing regularly, then add diced zucchini, bell pepper, and garlic. Raise heat to medium-high and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, tossing regularly, until vegetables have softened and cooked through. Season with kosher salt, oregano and paprika. Sit aside till needed.

  4. 4

    In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/4 cup grated Paremsan and 3 tbsp Mozzarella. Mix well. (If needed, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to help mix the cheese)

  5. 5

    Once the pasta has been cooked and drained, bring it back to the cooking pot. Add 1/2 of the marinara sauce and starchy cooking water you reserved (1/2 cup). Mix well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Fold in the ricotta cheese filling. Mix again to combine, but leave some big "pockets" of the cheese mixture.

  6. 6

    Grab a 9 1/2" x 13" casserole dish. Pour a little marinara sauce to the bottom of the dish, spread.  Spread half the pasta. Now add the cooked vegetables and some of the torn basil on top and spread well across the pasta layer. Sprinkle a little bit of shredded mozzarella on top (leave more mozzarella for very top layer.) Add remaining pasta. Spread remaining marinara sauce on top and add remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

  7. 7

    Place the casserole dish on the middle rack of your heated oven. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or so. Remove from heat and let rest about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting through. garnish with fresh basil.

BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti

BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti

4.9(49)55 min12 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
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Based on 49 ratings

themediterraneandish.com
4.9(49 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a hearty, satisfying pasta dish that's entirely meat-free and bursting with flavor? This BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti recipe delivers an all-star experience, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting weeknight marvel perfect for any table. You'll love how easy it is to bring a truly memorable vegetarian meal to life.

What truly sets this vegetarian baked ziti apart is its thoughtful construction: a rich, creamy ricotta filling, vibrant marinara sauce, and a generous layer of brightly diced zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper. This strategic combination ensures every forkful is packed with contrasting textures and robust, savory flavors, preventing any dullness often found in meatless main courses. Its incredible make-ahead potential also means you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal even on your busiest evenings.

Prepare your palate for a delightful symphony of textures and tastes with every bite of this baked ziti. You'll savor tender ziti or penne pasta, perfectly enveloped in a savory, aromatic marinara sauce. This is beautifully contrasted by the creamy tang of ricotta cheese and the gooey, irresistible melt of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. The diced red onion, zucchini, and bell pepper add a pleasant, firm-tender bite and bright, fresh notes that expertly cut through the richness, creating a wonderfully balanced and truly satisfying dish. It's a wholesome meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Customization & Variations

  • If ziti pasta isn't on hand, penne pasta is an excellent alternative that equally captures and holds the luscious sauce.
  • Feel free to experiment with bell pepper colors; an orange or red bell pepper contributes a lovely natural sweetness and vibrant visual appeal to the dish.
  • While the recipe suggests a specific extra virgin olive oil for its nuanced flavor, any quality extra virgin olive oil will contribute beautifully to the sautéed vegetables.
  • For an extra herbal note, a sprinkle of fresh parsley can be added along with the basil.

This hearty baked ziti is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a comforting weeknight meal. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread to make it a complete and memorable feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

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