Name: Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 whole bulb of garlic (10-15 cloves, finely diced or minced); 1 small zucchini, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ½ cup fresh chopped basil (around 1 oz worth when packaged); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups fresh grated parmesan cheese, divided; 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 32 oz high quality pasta sauce (such as Rao’s tomato basil); ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing); Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing casserole dish

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines perfectly cooked pasta with a vibrant medley of vegetables, fresh herbs, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Every bite is a harmonious dance of creamy richness and robust tomato sauce, making it an irresistible main course whether for weeknight family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan filled with two main layers: the bottom layer has finely chopped vegetables including orange carrots, green celery, and white onions, all cooked and soft in texture; the top layer is a thick, smooth, and rich red tomato sauce spread over half of the vegetables. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to hitting that perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Each element is fresh, straightforward, and essential for turning simple components into a satisfying feast.

1 lb ziti pasta: Perfectly shaped pasta that holds sauce and cheese beautifully for every bite.
1 yellow onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
1 whole bulb of garlic (10-15 cloves, finely diced or minced): A bold punch of aromatic flavor that infuses the sauce.
1 small zucchini (diced): Provides a tender, mild bite that blends seamlessly with the sauce.
1 red bell pepper (diced): Brings a pop of color and a hint of natural sweetness.
½ cup fresh chopped basil: Fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the dish and complement the cheese.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and a subtle tangy richness.
2 cups fresh grated parmesan cheese (divided): Sharp, nutty flavor with a perfect melting quality to layer in the bake.
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese: Silky, gooey melt for that irresistible cheesy top.
32 oz high-quality pasta sauce: I love Rao’s tomato basil for its vibrant, slow-cooked flavor that elevates the entire dish.
¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.

How to Make Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees to get everything ready. Warm up a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, add your diced onion, minced garlic, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Cook this colorful veggie combo for about 10 minutes until everything softens and starts to smell heavenly. This step builds an essential flavor base for your sauce.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in your high-quality pasta sauce and add the salt into the skillet. Let it gently simmer for around five minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully. Meanwhile, start boiling water for the ziti pasta in another pot, or if you prefer, do this first so the cooked pasta can rest while you finish up the sauce.

Step 3: Cook and Mix the Pasta

Once the ziti is cooked al dente, drain it and combine it directly into your sauce and vegetable mixture. This ensures every noodle is luxuriously coated with sauce, making every forkful burst with flavor.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, blend together one cup of ricotta cheese, the fresh chopped basil, and one cup of grated parmesan. This creamy, herbaceous mixture will add a wonderful layer of richness and freshness in your baked ziti.

Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole

Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Start by spreading half of the sauced pasta mixture evenly at the bottom. Then gently spread the ricotta, parmesan, and basil mixture over this first layer. Sprinkle half of your grated parmesan cheese on top to add a sharp, melty contrast.

Step 6: Add Layers and Bake

Next, cover the cheese mixture with the remaining half of your sauced pasta, and top everything with shredded mozzarella. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Finish Baking and Broil

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the bake becomes bubbling and inviting. For a beautifully golden, slightly crispy cheese crust, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end—just keep your eyes on it to avoid burning.

How to Serve Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a pasta dish made of short tube-shaped pasta coated in a chunky red tomato sauce with small pieces of orange and yellow vegetables mixed throughout. The pasta is evenly spread throughout the dish, with a soft and slightly glossy texture from the sauce, and some pieces have a light golden tint. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really make this dish pop, sprinkle a handful of fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of finely grated parmesan on top just before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a glossy finish and amplify the flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve your Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed garlic broccoli. Both add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the baked pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this dish to a potluck or want to impress, bake it in individual ramekins or ceramic mini-casseroles for personal portions. You could also serve it with warm garlic bread sticks to scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This baked ziti keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for more, the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwaving individual servings works well too—just watch for even heating to maintain that lovely cheesy stretch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and holds sauce wonderfully, penne, rigatoni, or even shells work beautifully and offer slightly different textures.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives. Choose a robust tomato sauce without animal products and skip the parmesan layer or use a vegan parmesan substitute for that umami kick.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to throw in mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to customize the recipe. Just sauté any additional veggies before mixing them into the sauce for the best flavor.

Should I cook the pasta fully before baking?

It’s best to cook the ziti al dente since it will continue to soften in the oven. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in your Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?

The recipe generally takes about an hour from start to finish, making it a great option for a fulfilling and satisfying meal without all day effort.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe is a true lifesaver when you want a hearty, cheesy, and delicious meal that feels homemade and special. It’s so rewarding to put together and even better to share with loved ones, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and make it your new go-to comfort food staple!