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Meatless Baked Ziti

Cozy Meatless Baked Ziti: Comfort in Every Cheesy Bite

This Meatless Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for any dinner gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Ziti or Rigatoni Pasta Substitute with penne for a fun twist.
For the Sauces
  • 3 cups Marinara Sauce Use store-bought or homemade.
For the Cheesy Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter touch.
  • 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese Opt for part-skim or whole milk.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese For topping.
For Binding and Flavoring
  • 1 large Egg Omit for a vegan option.
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Basil or Parsley Use according to preference.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Optional for sautéing garlic.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, optional for sautéing.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti or rigatoni pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  4. Combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs in a mixing bowl. Mix until creamy.
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Toss the cooked pasta with the remaining sauce.
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  6. Pour half of the sauced pasta into the dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over it and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  7. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  8. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
    Meatless Baked Ziti
  10. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
    Meatless Baked Ziti

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Feel free to adapt this recipe by adding sautéed vegetables or different cheeses to suit your taste.

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