Meatless Baked Ziti
Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that celebrates the richness of pasta without the meat? Look no further than this delectable Meatless Baked Ziti. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that will make even the most devoted carnivores reconsider their dinner choices. With layers of ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly. Plus, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike!
Why It Deserves a Spot
Meatless Baked Ziti is not just any pasta dish; it’s an experience. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying, yet simple enough for even the most novice cook to master. This recipe is versatile—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your palate. Each bite is a warm hug on a plate, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping the dish incredibly tasty!
The Ingredient Lineup
To create this mouth-watering Meatless Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz tomato passata/marinara sauce (see note 1)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground fennel
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 oz ziti pasta (see note 2)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup ricotta (see note 3)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (see note 4)
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan (see note 4)
- Parsley or basil to garnish (optional)
Must-Have Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary equipment to make your Meatless Baked Ziti a success:
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet: To sauté the vegetables and mix the sauce.
- Baking dish: For layering the ziti and baking it to perfection.
- Mixing bowls: For combining the cheeses and other ingredients.
- Spoon or spatula: For stirring and serving.
Meatless Baked Ziti in Steps
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and carrot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Create the Sauce
Pour in the tomato passata or marinara sauce, stirring well. Add the dried Italian herb, oregano, sugar, ground fennel, garlic powder,
Meatless Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and carrot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato passata or marinara sauce, stirring well. Add the dried Italian herb, oregano, sugar, ground fennel, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix until well combined.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti pasta, followed by half of the sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers. Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley or basil if desired, and serve!
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
