Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat: The Cozy Weeknight Classic You’ll Crave Again and Again

If you’ve ever had one of those weeks—where your to-do list won’t quit, and dinner feels like one more mountain to climb—this baked ziti recipe no meat is about to become your kitchen hero. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and comes together with just a few simple ingredients (hello, pantry staples!). Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that’ll actually be worth eating, this dish checks all the boxes.

And the best part? No meat, no problem. This vegetarian baked ziti is hearty and comforting enough to satisfy even your most carnivorous loved ones—promise.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat

This isn’t just another baked pasta dish. It’s a cozy casserole of dreams. Whether you’re cutting back on meat, cooking for a vegetarian friend, or just want something easy, this baked ziti delivers the goods:

• Weeknight friendly: No fancy steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Cheesy comfort: Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan bring the gooey goodness.
• Meal prep magic: Make it ahead, pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
• Picky-eater approved: Seriously—kids and adults go back for seconds.

Looking for more weeknight pasta favorites? You’ll love this creamy lemon chicken pasta or the crowd-pleasing one-pot garlic parmesan pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your simple shopping list (and chances are, you already have most of these at home):

• 16 ounces ziti pasta (uncooked)
• 24 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg (lightly whisked)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 32 ounces of your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This Baked Ziti (No Meat Version)

This baked ziti recipe is as easy as stir, bake, and serve. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Boil your pasta.
   Cook the ziti 2-3 minutes less than the package says—this keeps it from turning to mush once it bakes.
2. Mix the magic.
   In a big mixing bowl, combine ricotta, the egg, parmesan, HALF of the mozzarella, and your jarred spaghetti sauce. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed—some sauces already pack a punch, others need a little love.
3. Combine pasta and sauce.
   Drain your slightly undercooked ziti and stir it right into that cheesy, saucy bowl. Mix until everything is happily coated.
4. Bake it up.
   Pour into a greased 9×13” baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and some extra parmesan for good measure.
5. Cover and bake.
   Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Let it rest.
   This part’s hard, I know—but letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving makes it easier to slice and oh-so-worth it.

Emma’s Little Tip

Don’t stress if your cheese mixture looks a little thick before baking—once everything melts together, it turns into the perfect creamy consistency. Also, I’ve found this is one of those dishes that somehow tastes even better the next day (hello, dream leftovers!).

Want to serve this with something green? Try it with this air fryer roasted broccoli or a crisp chopped Italian salad for a full meal.

FAQs

Can I make this baked ziti recipe no meat ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it all the way up to the baking step, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake a little longer if coming straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of ricotta?
Cottage cheese is a great swap if you prefer a slightly lighter texture. Mascarpone can work too for a richer twist!

Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes! Just wrap it well before or after baking and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as usual (you may need extra time if it’s cold in the middle).

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Big yes! The cheesy layers are always a hit, and since there’s no meat, it feels lighter but still filling. Great for picky eaters!

Whether it’s a Monday night or you’re prepping for a potluck, this baked ziti recipe no meat is the kind of no-fuss, all-flavor dish that brings everyone to the table. It’s cozy, dependable, and full of creamy, saucy goodness—like a warm hug in casserole form.

So next time you’re craving comfort (minus the meat), you know what to do. And if you’re looking for more family-friendly favorites, check out my easy weeknight dinner ideas to keep your meal plan on point.

Now go grab that baking dish—your future self will thank you. 💛