Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat: A Delicious Vegetarian Delight
This recipe provides a hearty and flavorful baked ziti, perfect for meatless Mondays or any day you crave a comforting Italian-American classic. This vegetarian version is packed with cheese, vegetables, and delicious herbs, ensuring a satisfying and delicious meal for everyone. It's also surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Pasta: 1 pound ziti pasta
- Sauce: 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce (look for a high-quality option for the best flavor!)
- Cheese: 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Veggies: 1 medium onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (drained), 1 bell pepper (any color, chopped), 1 zucchini (chopped), 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Vegetables
- Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Mixture
- Combine the cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano and dried basil to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Ziti
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cheese mixture, half of the sautéed vegetables and half of the drained diced tomatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining marinara sauce, ziti, cheese mixture, vegetables, and diced tomatoes.
- Top with cheese and basil: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and garnish with fresh basil.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the ziti to set slightly and makes for easier serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your baked ziti will be greatly improved by using fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses and sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key for the best texture.
- Let it rest: Allow the ziti to rest after baking before serving. This will help it set up nicely.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious baked ziti with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to please everyone at the table. Remember to share your creations and tag us! #vegetarianziti #bakedziti #meatlessmonday #comfortfood #easyrecipe
