Recipe For Vegetarian Baked Ziti That Everyone Will Love

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and delicious meal that’s entirely vegetarian, look no further than this vegetarian baked ziti. It’s the perfect dish for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Loaded with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese, this baked ziti offers all the warmth and satisfaction of a classic Italian favorite — without the meat. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just want to add more plant-based meals to your menu, this recipe is both simple to prepare and utterly satisfying.

What makes this baked ziti truly special is the balance of flavors and textures — from the slightly crispy cheese topping to the soft, saucy pasta mixed with garden-fresh veggies. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrition without compromising on taste.

Ready to dive into a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian baked ziti is more than just pasta in a casserole dish. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors that come together effortlessly.

• Easy to make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner and experienced cooks alike.
• Customizable: You can swap in your favorite vegetables or cheeses based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready — ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
• Nutritious and filling: Packed with fiber-rich veggies, protein from cheese, and wholesome pasta, this dish keeps you satisfied and energized.
• Perfect for leftovers: The flavors only deepen after resting, making it a great option for next-day meals.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander or strainer
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms: Cook the veggies until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Make the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato-vegetable sauce. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and the ricotta cheese. Mix gently to combine everything evenly.
7. Assemble the baked ziti: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly spread.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
9. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding chopped spinach or kale to the vegetable sauté. You can also mix in some cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for additional protein.

Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on seasonality or what you have in your fridge. Eggplant, carrots, or even broccoli work wonderfully in this dish.

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan, replace the ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives or a homemade cashew cream sauce. For a creamier texture, stirring in a cup of vegan béchamel sauce is a delicious option — check out my detailed Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to learn how.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. This recipe also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian baked ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. To keep things light, steamed green beans or sautéed asparagus work perfectly.

If you love Italian flavors, consider exploring more recipes like Best Italian Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Meatless for additional inspiration.

Conclusion

This vegetarian baked ziti is a true crowd-pleaser that brings both comfort and nutrition to your table. The combination of tender pasta, savory vegetables, and gooey cheese makes it a satisfying meal for vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Its straightforward preparation and customizable nature mean you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering, this baked ziti will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe. Don’t forget to try it with different vegetable combinations or cheeses to keep it fresh and exciting every time you make it.

And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes, be sure to check out other delicious options like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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