Easy Meatless Baked Ziti - Healthy Hearty Recipes (2024)

This easy meatless baked ziti is made with 3 cheeses layered in one delicious pasta dish. The ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan melt together with the red sauce and ziti noodles for a satisfying vegetarian dinner that can easily be made gluten free. Baked in the oven in a quick 35 minutes, with only a few ingredients you likely already have in the pantry; you can’t go wrong!

Meatless Baked Ziti Ingredients

To make this recipe you’ll need 16 ounces of ziti noodles pre cooked and drained. You need 16 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella (divided in half), and a cup of parmesan cheese (divided in half).

Additionally you’ll require 2 eggs, dried parsley, minced garlic, dried basil, and salt. Lastly you need 32 ounces of marinara or red sauce.

Making an Easy Meatless Baked Ziti

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Then add the ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and a half cup of the parmesan to a large bowl. Combine that with the eggs, parsley, garlic, basil and salt.

Stir until it’s mixed completely and the 3 cheese blend is complete. Now add the cooked and drained ziti noodles to the bowl. Toss gently to mix it all together.

Next pour half of your red sauce into a 9×13 casserole dish. Spread it around into an even coat covering the bottom. Then add the pasta and cheese blend and spread that into an even layer to cover the marinara you just laid down.

Add the remaining sauce over the top of the cheese and noodles. Use a spatula or the bottom of a spoon to evenly spread it and cover the previous layer.

Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella and half cup of parmesan over the top and you have a fully layered meatless ziti.

Now cover the casserole dish with foil and place it into the oven. Bake it for 30 minutes and then take it out and remove the foil. Set the oven to broil and broil, uncovered, for about 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Remove your baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. When that’s done you just garnish, serve, and enjoy!

Making Gluten Free Baked Ziti

Making this recipe gluten free is as easy as substituting the ziti noodles for a gluten free variety. I prefer Barilla, Jovial, or Banza usually but your favorite will work just fine. Just cook and drain the noodles according to the directions for whichever you’ve chosen and trade it in!

Adding Protein to the Baked Ziti

If you’re into the idea of adding protein to this recipe it’s an easy addition! You can add a pound of ground beef or ground chicken. Just cook and drain it and mix it with your red sauce as part of those layers.

For a vegetarian protein option try using my meatless ground beef crumbles. They work well with this recipe and are super easy to make and keep on hand!

Common Baked Ziti Substitutions for Ricotta Cheese

There are quite a few options to go with if you don’t want to use ricotta or if you don’t have it on hand. I’ve stuck with the more common ones that work best with this recipe.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is one of the more common substitutions for ricotta because it has a similar flavor profile. Sometimes it’s even preferred as its lower in fat.

Keep in mind that it is a bit runnier than the ricotta and is a bit less creamy. Stick with a small curd cottage cheese if possible to avoid the larger lumps.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese can be substituted for ricotta as well. Ironically it’s slightly less creamy. It’s also slightly lower in fat.

Keep it out of the fridge for a bit and let it warm up for this recipe if you’re using it so it mixes with the other cheese easier.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is another substitution for the ricotta as well. It’s less common to have it on hand than the previous two so I kept it at the end of the substitution list. Make sure its fresh and not an aged goat cheese for this recipe.

Serving and Storing Instructions

Serve the meatless baked ziti with a garlic bread or breadsticks, if you’re not doing it gluten free that is. I also like serving it with a side salad or roasted broccoli or green beans to get some veggies in there.

Garnish with red pepper flakes or parsley.

To store this recipe, let it cool to room temperature and cover. Alternately, you can portion it out into individual meal prep containers. Refrigerate and it will keep for about 5 days just fine. It reheats well in the microwave for a filling leftover meal.

Other Meatless Recipes You’ll Love!

• One Pot Mushroom Stroganoff
• Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi Skillet
• Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry
• Vegan Creamy Vegetable Soup

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