Warm up your winter with these 17 easy vegetarian baked ziti recipes, perfect for cozy dinners and hearty gatherings. These dishes blend comfort and flavor, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Return pot to stove, add olive oil, and sauté spinach until wilted. Remove, squeeze out excess water, chop, and set aside.
- Combine drained pasta with remaining marinara sauce, most of the spinach, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and fresh pepper in the pot.
- Layer half the pasta mixture in the baking dish, add dollops of ricotta, remaining spinach, and top with the remaining pasta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and pecorino cheeses on top, drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake until cheese is browned, about 16 to 22 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, about 1/2 cup for layering)
- Whole milk ricotta cheese
- Garlic
- Lemon zest
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh spinach (1 pound)
- Smoked mozzarella cheese (or regular mozzarella if unavailable)
- Pecorino cheese (or Parmesan as a substitute)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?
- Absolutely! Other tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni works well as a substitute for ziti in this recipe.
- Is it possible to make baked ziti in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the baked ziti a few hours or even a day ahead. Assemble it, cover, and store in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as per the recipe instructions.
- How should I store and reheat leftover baked ziti?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or a 325°F oven.
- Can baked ziti be frozen for later use?
- Certainly! Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake covered at 400°F until hot, then uncover and continue baking until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with baked ziti?
- Baked ziti pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, garlic knots, or homemade focaccia. You can also complement it with a salad, such as Caesar, Italian chopped, or arugula salad. If salads aren’t your thing, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts make excellent side options.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: To ensure your baked ziti doesn’t become overly soft, cook the pasta to an al dente texture. Remember, it will continue to cook while baking.
- Batch Sauté Spinach: When sautéing the spinach, work in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding the pot, leading to better flavor and texture.
- Prep in Advance: You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making it convenient for busy days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Freezer-Friendly Option: If you’re planning to freeze the baked ziti, assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy a quick, comforting meal.
