Name: Easy Baked Ziti Without Meat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 5 cups marinara sauce; 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg (optional); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 12 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 3 cups), divided; Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 78 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake that doesn’t rely on meat to shine, this Easy Baked Ziti Without Meat Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. This dish perfectly balances creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella layered throughout tender ziti pasta, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a friendly gathering, this recipe offers a foolproof way to enjoy layers of rich flavors without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a cooking scene with ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the bottom left is a white bowl filled with creamy ricotta cheese, a spoon resting inside. To its right, two small clear glass bowls hold different grated cheeses, one finely grated with a pale yellow color, the other crumbled with a soft texture. Next to them, a white plate has uncooked yellow pasta tubes neatly spread out. Above, a small white saucer contains four piles of spices in green, white, black, and red colors arranged around the edges. A single brown egg is placed near the middle of the scene. To the left, a large clear glass measuring cup is full of thick red tomato sauce. In the top right corner, a wooden cutting board holds finely minced garlic and diced white onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Baked Ziti Without Meat Recipe comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavor, texture, and color, making the dish irresistibly delicious from start to finish.

Ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to hold all that luscious sauce and cheese inside and out.
Olive oil: Adds a silky, subtle richness to the sautéed onions and garlic, forming a flavorful base.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when softened gently in olive oil.
Garlic: Just the right amount to infuse a warm pungency that wakes up the marinara.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every single component.
Dried Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant, herbal note reminiscent of your favorite Italian dishes.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick that livens up the sauce if you like a little heat.
Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, offering bright tomato flavor and a rich, silky texture.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds lushness and an irresistible softness to the layers.
Large egg (optional): Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a smoother consistency.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and slightly salty—perfect for depth and a golden crust.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts into a gooey, stretchy blanket of cheesy goodness on top and inside.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Brightens the finished dish with a touch of fresh green vibrance.

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Without Meat Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until it is just shy of al dente—that means take it off the heat about 1 to 2 minutes before the package directions suggest. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking perfectly while baking without becoming mushy. Drain it well and set it aside.

Step 2: Build the sauce base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and gently cook the finely diced yellow onion for about 5 to 6 minutes, until beautifully soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, allowing its aroma to bloom. Next, season the mixture with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This fragrant base will elevate the marinara sauce to new heights.

Step 3: Simmer the marinara sauce

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with your sautéed aromatics and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This step melds all the flavors together and thickens the sauce slightly, ensuring every bite has that rich, robust tomato goodness. When the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Prepare the ricotta mixture

In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta with the optional egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Lightly season this creamy mixture with salt and pepper for balance. This luscious filling will be swirled throughout the ziti, giving the dish its signature creamy texture and flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the baked ziti

Toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until each piece is evenly coated in that delicious tomato goodness. Spread half of the sauced pasta into your prepared baking dish, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top and gently swirl it in for a marbled effect. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixture, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the top. This layered approach creates irresistible pockets of cheesy, saucy bliss throughout the ziti.

Step 6: Bake and rest

Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and help the flavors marry. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the top to bubble and become lightly golden. If you’re craving a deeper crust, a few minutes under the broiler will do the trick—just keep a close eye to avoid burning. Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes to set beautifully before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an inviting pop of color.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Without Meat Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked pasta, showing a thick top layer of golden melted cheese with lightly browned spots and small patches of bright red sauce peeking through. The cheese layer is dotted with fresh green basil leaves and finely chopped parsley, adding a touch of color and freshness. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a clean, minimalist look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add a burst of vibrant green color but also provide a refreshing aroma that complements the rich cheeses and tomato sauce. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving can elevate the flavor even more, making every bite sing with cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This hearty baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds a pleasing contrast. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce, making the meal feel complete and utterly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, consider serving the Easy Baked Ziti Without Meat Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions. You can also add layers of grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added color and texture. A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top just before serving adds an elegant touch and a wonderful sweet tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This baked ziti recipe holds up beautifully as leftovers. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after a day or two, making it an excellent option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish either before baking or after it has been cooked and cooled. To freeze before baking, assemble as directed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time. For already baked leftovers, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep the moisture, until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. Microwaving is fine for a quick fix but might make the cheese less melty and the pasta a bit drier. Adding a splash of water or extra marinara and covering can help maintain creaminess when microwaving.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Baked Ziti Without Meat Recipe vegan?

You can definitely make it vegan by swapping out the ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based cheese alternatives and using a vegan marinara sauce. Keep in mind the texture and melt might differ, but it still will be delicious and comforting.

Is it necessary to use the egg in the ricotta mixture?

The egg is optional, but it acts as a binder that gives the creamy ricotta mixture a bit more structure. If you prefer egg-free or have dietary restrictions, the ricotta mixture will still taste great and bake up just fine without it.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of ziti?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work really well as substitutes. Just make sure to cook them until nearly al dente so they finish perfectly during baking.

How spicy is this recipe if I add red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that balances the richness without overpowering the dish. You can easily adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance or omit it entirely for a milder version.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?

This is a fantastic dish to prepare a few hours or even a day before your event. Assemble it completely and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s very cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Ziti Without Meat Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving a comforting, cheesy pasta bake that’s simple to make and endlessly satisfying. Its layers of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella combined with a rich marinara sauce make it a guaranteed favorite for meatless mealtime. Once you try this recipe, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to dishes when you want something nourishing, delicious, and effortlessly cozy. Give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you!