easy baked ziti

This recipe is all you need to make an all-star vegetarian baked ziti with ricotta, marinara sauce, and a layer of bright veggies. Perfect weeknight baked pasta, and you can prepare it ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for later. See notes.

BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Ziti pasta

virgin olive oil

red onion, chopped

zucchini, small diced

bell pepper (orange

garlic cloves,

Kosher salt

dry oregano

tsp sweet paprika

Marinara sauce (store-bought is fine)

basil leaves, torn or carefully sliced/chopped

ricotta (I used part-skim)

Parmesan, divided

oz shredded Mozzarella

Cook the pasta. 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When ready, add the pasta and cook to al dante according to package. When ready, drain pasta but save about 1/2 cup cooking water.

Cook the vegetables. 

While the pasta is cooking , cook the vegetables. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes or so, tossing regularly, then add diced zucchini, bell pepper, and garlic. Raise heat to medium-high and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, tossing regularly, until vegetables have softened and cooked through. Season with kosher salt, oregano and paprika. Sit aside till needed.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling. 

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/4 cup grated Paremsan and 3 tbsp Mozzarella. Mix well. (If needed, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to help mix the cheese)

Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese Filling

Once the pasta has been cooked and drained, bring it back to the cooking pot. Add 1/2 of the marinara sauce and starchy cooking water you reserved (1/2 cup). Mix well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Fold in the ricotta cheese filling. Mix again to combine, but leave some big "pockets" of the cheese mixture.

Assemble the Pasta Casserole. 

Grab a 9 1/2" x 13" casserole dish. Pour a little marinara sauce to the bottom of the dish, spread.  Spread half the pasta. Now add the cooked vegetables and some of the torn basil on top and spread well across the pasta layer. Sprinkle a little bit of shredded mozzarella on top (leave more mozzarella for very top layer.) Add remaining pasta. Spread remaining marinara sauce on top and add remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Bake. 

Place the casserole dish on the middle rack of your heated oven. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or so. Remove from heat and let rest about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting through. garnish with fresh basil.

This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. Everyone in my family loves it.

Will definitely make this again, it was really good! I didn't have zucchini on hand so I substituted artichole hearts and it was amazing. I also added a bit more basil and oregano as well as garlic. Thank you Suzy. This recipe was 
"Heluah Owie". (Very Good) : )

Oh please please please tell me where you got your baking dish...  i beg of you...

This was fantastic! The only substitution I made was to add some mushrooms. I’ve been in the mood for mostoccoli (as a Chicagoan, that’s what we call this dish!) for a while, and yours didn’t disappoint.

Very tasty, husband approved. I did use a spicy marinara for half of the sauce and we really liked that.  Also used a whole milk ricotta I made myself. We will make this again. Thank you!

Great recipe but of course don't use parmesan if you want it to be vegetarian - there are easy to find veggie alternatives.

Made this today and my wife and I both thought it was a winner! Thank you!

I made this for my family and everyone loved it even the kids. It taste like better than a resturant pasta.

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My whole family of picky eaters loved this recipe.

Creamy Baked Ziti is a simple and delicious baked pasta dish that never fails to please. This easy baked ziti recipe is extra creamy and cheesy! Everything bakes together into something so tasty...the comfort food recipe ever!

Easy Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe

ziti

Marinara sauce

package cream cheese, softened

mozzarella

Parmesan cheese

basil

Heat oven to 375°F and spray an 11x9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to package (al dente/no salt) directions, drain.

In the same large saucepan set over medium heat, cook the marinara sauce and cream cheese together until the cheese melts. Stir often.

Add the pasta to the marinara/cheese sauce and mix well.

Pour half the marinara/cheese/ziti sauce in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheeses.

Sprinkle the cheeses with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.

Layer the remaining marinara/cheese/ziti sauce over the cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes.

Remove the cover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the baked ziti is bubbly and cheese is golden.

Garnish with the remaining chopped basil and serve with toasted baguette.

Enjoy!

https://embed.mediavine.com/videos/igtxBxRzp

Baked Ziti is a simple and delicious baked pasta dish that never fails to please. This easy baked ziti recipe is extra creamy and cheesy! Everything bakes together into something so tasty…the best baked ziti recipe ever!

Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe

5-Cheese Ziti Al Forno from Olive Garden is easy, breezy and cheesy. 

5-Cheese Ziti Al Forno

lb. ziti

butter

garlic,

tbsp. all-purpose flour

c. half and half

black pepper

c. marinara

c. shredded mozzarella, divided

c. shredded fontina

c. grated romano

ricotta

c. Panko breadcrumbs

parsley,

Despite the fact that the directions neglect to say that the remaining mozzarella should go on top of the casserole (which is shown in the video) and that the video doesn't mention putting the romano in the sauce (which is in the directions), says to use milk instead of the half and half listed in the ingredients and gives conflicting instructions about putting everything in the baking dish, this turned out well, and I'll be making it again. By reading the directions, watching the video and consulting the comments I managed to figure it all out!

This is the best ziti I’ve ever made. I’ve made it 3 times and everyone’s  always looking for more.

My family was obsessed with this before the sauce even mixed with the pasta! 10/10 recommend.

I just made this using my own homemade marinara sauce and I can definitely say that it tasted better than Olive Gardens recipe...or so the people eating said. It was delicious!!!

https://streaming.hearstdigitalstudios.com/7caf6495-c86d-4469-a85c-a526d5ed31c8/video_rover_16x9_1080p_hd_1575469841_20238.mp4

Need an easy weeknight dinner recipe? This copycat Olive Garden recipe is it. There's marinara, alfredo, mozz, fontina, romano, parm, AND ricotta.

This 5-Cheese Ziti Al Forno Tastes JUST Like Olive Garden's

If you’re a pasta fan, you’ll fall in love with this AMAZING easy vegan baked ziti. This classic Italian American dish is loaded with flavor, from rich tomatoes to the melted blend of dairy free cheeses and fresh basil. Adding Beyond Meat creates a classic feel but is totally optional.

Easy Vegan Baked Ziti with Beyond Meat

ziti pasta

yellow onion, diced

Beyond Meat beef, optional (or another plant-based imitation meat)

marinara sauce (I use tomato and

water (or cooking wine), optional

cheese

vegan mozzarella cheese shreds (I use Daiya brand)

Preheat oven to 350° F (176° C). Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove; cook pasta according to package directions. Cook your pasta al dente (about 10 minutes), so that it&#39;s slightly undercooked. It will soften up in the oven.

Meanwhile, saute diced onions in a large frying pan on medium heat for 1-2 minutes. You can use a water saute or a small amount of olive oil if you wish. Add defrosted Beyond beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking up with a spatula as you go along.

Add marinara sauce and stir. I like to thin out my marinara by adding ¼ cup of water into the empty jar (seal and shake) to collect all those last bits of sauce. For more flavor, you can use white cooking wine. Stir sauce and turn off heat.

After pasta is cooked and drained, it’s time to prepare your casserole! In a 9 x 13 greased baking dish, add cooked ziti noodles. Next, add the sauce and vegan parmesan. Stir to coat the pasta and spread out evenly in baking dish. Top with vegan mozzarella and cover with foil.

Pop in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted on top. You can remove the foil after 15 minutes to check and leave off for the remaining 5 minutes if you want your cheese to brown a bit.

Let the baked ziti sit for 5 minutes to cool. Top with fresh basil, if desired.

My family LOVES this easy, simple One Pan Baked Ziti recipe. It's as fast and delicious as comfort food gets and ready in less than 30 minutes!

One Pan Baked Ziti

sausage

can diced tomatoes

tomato sauce

olive oil

garlic (, minced)

red pepper flakes

oregano leaves

water

ziti pasta ((or similar pasta))

half and half ((or heavy cream))

parmesan cheese

mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Add olive oil to a deep, 12-inch or larger oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sausage cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.&nbsp;

Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes.&nbsp;

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil and oregano. Stir well. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes.

Add the water and dry pasta. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to a low boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Stir in the half and half, and parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.&nbsp;

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted and browned, about 5 minutes. Enjoy!

I love to serve this with easy&nbsp;Homemade Breadsticks!

https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/O808Vrhi.mp4

One Pan Baked Ziti is the perfect easy dinner recipe! This cheesy pasta dish is a family favorite, and I love that it's all made in just one pan!

Tastes Better From Scratch - One Pan Baked Ziti

You will love this easy and cheesy baked ziti recipe! It&#039;s so hearty, rich, and full of flavor that everyone will be reaching for seconds.

Baked Ziti

onion (diced)

Italian sausage

garlic

32-ounce jar marinara sauce

whole tomatoes

Italian seasoning

dry ziti pasta

salt

ricotta cheese

mozzarella (about 16 ounces, divided)

parmesan (divided)

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until just starting to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the sausage and garlic. Cook, breaking up the sausage with the back of a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.

Stir in marinara, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmer, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes, or until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.

While sauce simmers, preheat the oven to 350F.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt per quart of water. Add the pasta and cook until almost tender. (You want it al dente as it will continue cooking when baking.) Drain and rinse with cold water. Return to the same pot.

To the pasta, add 2 cups tomato sauce. Stir until well coated.

Spoon some of the tomato sauce into a 13x9-inch or 2 1/2-quart casserole dish, just enough to lightly cover the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the pasta on top.

Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the parmesan, dot half of the ricotta, and sprinkle half of the mozzarella over the pasta. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses. Place on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges and the top is browned. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMXHopvMSUo

A classic Italian-American recipe, this easy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this pasta is rich and gooey with its layers of pasta, meaty tomato sauce, and three different kinds of cheese. This pasta bake is a hearty and delicious dish perfect for any occasion.

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Delicious Baked Ziti Recipe | SO Easy!

This healthy baked ziti recipe is the ultimate classic Italian comfort food! Pasta baked with a delicious red sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella melted on top. But don&#039;t worry, this lightened-up version does not skimp on the bold Italian flavors that you look forward to with a cheesy baked ziti. It can be assembled ahead of time for an easy dinner or to feed a crowd at your next party.

Healthy Baked Ziti

lb dry ziti or penne pasta (whole grain

ricotta cheese (drain excess liquid)

onion powder

pepper

red pepper

spaghetti sauce (homemade

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Bring a 5-6 quart pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes. The pasta should still have a bite to it after it cooks. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy.

Drain the pasta and rinse. Place the pasta into a 9 x13 baking dish.

Mix ricotta cheese, egg, romano or parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the crushed red pepper if you&#39;re using it.

Mix the ricotta cheese mixture and spaghetti sauce in with the pasta. Start with 3-cups of sauce and add more if you need to. The pasta should be covered with sauce and cheese mixture.

Sprinkle mozzarella over the top of the pasta mixture.

Cover with foil and bake for 55 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and the baked ziti is bubbling on the sides.

https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/7CdKdXrD.mp4

This healthy baked ziti recipe is the ultimate classic Italian comfort food! Pasta baked with a delicious red sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella melted on top.

This super cheesy vegetarian baked ziti recipe with its extra creamy cheese layer is a delicious and easy family favorite for dinner.

Easy baked ziti

onion (finely chopped)

tomatoes

tomato paste

stock / broth / water

sugar

½ tsp black pepper

basil ((or use 1 teaspoon dried basil))

sour cream

Mozzarella cheese

salt and pepper (to taste

500 g (1lb) ziti /

Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

In a saucepan, saute the onion in a splash of olive oil until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the tomatoes, stock, basil, sugar, salt and pepper then bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and allow to cook for 7-10 minutes until the sauce has reduced slightly.

While the sauce cooks, combine the ingredients for the cheese cream and set aside.

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 7-8 minutes. The pasta should be very firm still as it will continue cooking in the oven. Reserve ½ cup cooking water then drain the pasta.

Combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and a few tablespoons of pasta cooking water. At this point the pasta needs to be quite wet and saucy.

Transfer half of the pasta to a suitable baking dish. Dollop on the cheese mixture and top with the remaining pasta. Add the rest of the mozzarella cheese then cover with foil.

Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbling. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown on top.

Top 8 easy baked ziti recipes from across the web

The most viewed easy baked ziti recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine

Top Tags

BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Easy Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe

5-Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Easy Vegan Baked Ziti with Beyond M...

One Pan Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

Healthy Baked Ziti

Easy baked ziti

Top 8 easy baked ziti recipes from across the web

The most viewed easy baked ziti recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engineic_arrow_forward_48px

Top Tags

BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Easy Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe

5-Cheese Ziti Al Forno

Easy Vegan Baked Ziti with Beyond M...

One Pan Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

Healthy Baked Ziti

Easy baked ziti

The most viewed easy baked ziti recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine