How to make pasta bake without meat?

Start by cooking your pasta just until al dente. Mix it with marinara sauce, then layer it in a baking dish with ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Bake until everything is hot and bubbly. With this approach, you won’t even miss the meat just like in this baked ziti recipe no meat, flavor comes from cheese, sauce, and good seasoning.

Nope! Ziti is all about the texture and layers. When done right, it’s hearty and rich even without meat. With marinara, creamy cheese, and perfectly baked pasta, a meatless version holds its own and makes a great alternative for those cutting back on meat. That’s why a baked ziti recipe no meat has become such a go-to comfort meal in my kitchen.

What is a good substitute for ricotta in ziti?

If ricotta isn’t your thing or if you’re out try cottage cheese, which has a similar texture. For a more indulgent option, mascarpone adds richness. Vegan? You can blend tofu with lemon juice and herbs or use store-bought dairy-free ricotta. Any of these swaps work well in a baked pasta dish.

Why add eggs to baked ziti?

Eggs help bind the cheese layer so that it sets as it bakes. This gives the dish a firmer texture, which is great for slicing and reheating. It’s optional, though. Some prefer a softer, more spoonable cheese layer and that works too, especially in a baked ziti recipe no meat.

Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat – Easy, Creamy, And Delicious

Name: Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat: Simple, Comforting, and Absolutely Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti or penne; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1½ cups whole milk ricotta; 1 large egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided); ½ cup grated parmesan; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley or basil

Description

This baked ziti recipe no meat is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknights, meatless meals, or prepping ahead.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ziti or penne

3 cups marinara sauce

1½ cups whole milk ricotta

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)

½ cup grated parmesan

2 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley or basil

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta until al dente and set aside.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer.

3. Mix ricotta, egg, half of the mozzarella, parmesan, and herbs in a bowl.

4. Toss cooked pasta with some of the sauce.

5. In a baking dish, layer sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.

6. Repeat layers and top with remaining sauce and cheese.

7. Cover and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 more.

8. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can prep and refrigerate ahead—just add 10–15 mins to baking.

Use dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

Leftovers keep for 3–4 days and freeze well.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous slice
Calories: 390
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 55mg