Baked Ziti Recipe: A Vegetarian Delight

This recipe delivers a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying vegetarian baked ziti that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. We've focused on maximizing flavor and optimizing the recipe for search engines, ensuring it's easy to find and delicious to enjoy.

Why This Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe Stands Out

Forget bland veggie meals! This baked ziti is bursting with flavor thanks to a combination of rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly baked pasta. We've focused on using readily available ingredients and clear instructions, making it accessible to even novice cooks. This recipe prioritizes:

• Bold Flavors: We've layered in herbs and spices to create a depth of flavor that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
• Easy Preparation: The instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, minimizing prep time and maximizing deliciousness.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but easily adaptable to vegan diets with a few simple substitutions (see below).

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat & Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

5. Assemble the Ziti: In a large baking dish (9x13 inch), spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, followed by another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and top with the remaining marinara sauce.

6. Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

7. Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips for the Best Vegetarian Baked Ziti:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your dish will taste.
• Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the baked ziti.
• Layer carefully: Even layering ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Adapting for Vegan Diets:

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the ricotta cheese with a vegan ricotta alternative and use a vegan mozzarella cheese. Ensure your marinara sauce doesn't contain any animal products.

Keyword Optimization:

This recipe is optimized for keywords such as: baked ziti recipe, vegetarian baked ziti, vegetarian ziti recipe, easy baked ziti, cheesy baked ziti, vegan baked ziti (adaptable), baked ziti with ricotta, best baked ziti recipe. The strategic use of these keywords throughout the text improves search engine visibility.

Enjoy your delicious and satisfying vegetarian baked ziti! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out.