(No Meat) Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta layered with rich ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses, all baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers cheesy, savory goodness in every bite and can be easily customized to suit vegetarian preferences.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ziti until al dente, then drain and place in a large bowl.
- Mix together the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese with the cooked ziti.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan and cover the bottom with half of the spaghetti sauce.
- Spoon the ziti mixture into the prepared pan.
- Cover with the remaining spaghetti sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a beaten egg to the ricotta mixture. You can substitute ziti with penne or any short pasta if needed. To amp up the flavor, add herbs like basil or oregano to the spaghetti sauce. If you're short on time, use Joe'S Spaghetti Sauce for a quick flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is a fantastic main dish, but it pairs beautifully with a side of Italian Bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette complements the rich flavors perfectly. For dessert, consider serving Grandmother'S Pineapple Pie to finish the meal on a sweet note.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quick reheating, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of (No Meat) Baked Ziti contains roughly 379 calories, with 24g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value) and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! Baked ziti can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding time if needed.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider incorporating cooked spinach, mushrooms, or even chickpeas into the ziti mixture. If you're open to cheese, adding cottage cheese can also boost the protein content while keeping it vegetarian.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).