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Meatless Baked Ziti

Savory Meatless Baked Ziti with Creamy Ricotta Bliss

Enjoy a delightful meatless baked ziti with creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and layers of cheese for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 ounces Ziti or Rigatoni Pasta Cook al dente
For the Sauce
  • 24 ounces Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade
For the Cheesy Filling
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese Use part-skim or whole milk
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese For topping
  • 1 large Egg Beaten
For the Flavor Boost
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil or Parsley Optionally use for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Optional for sautéing
  • 2 cloves Garlic Sautéed for flavor

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

How to Make Meatless Baked Ziti
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil ziti or rigatoni in salted water until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain and set aside.
  3. (Optional) Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, around 1-2 minutes.
  4. Combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan, and herbs in a bowl until well mixed.
  5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta with the remaining marinara sauce.
  7. Layer half of the sauced pasta in the dish, dollop with the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
  8. Repeat layering with the remaining pasta, more ricotta, and the rest of the mozzarella.
  9. Top with the remaining Parmesan.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  11. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to mix in sautéed vegetables or use plant-based cheese alternatives for variations.

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