This vegetarian baked ziti recipe combines pasta, cheese, and a variety of vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. Below are two variations of the recipe, each with its own unique twist.
Classic Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- Pasta:
- 16 oz ziti (or penne)
- Sauce:
- 24 oz marinara sauce (divided)
- Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz vegetarian ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the ziti according to package directions; drain.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hot cooked pasta, 1½ cups marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spoon the pasta mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the top to brown slightly[1][2].
Vegetable-Packed Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- Pasta:
- 1 lb uncooked ziti (or penne)
- Vegetable Sauce:
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Two jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce
- Fresh basil and oregano to taste
- Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed)
- Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for topping
There are several excellent vegetarian alternatives to ricotta cheese that can be used in various dishes. Here are some popular options:
1. Tofu Ricotta
Description: Made from firm or silken tofu, this option is versatile and can be flavored to mimic the taste of ricotta.
- Ingredients: Firm tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings (like garlic powder and miso).
- Use: Great for lasagna, stuffed shells, or as a spread.
2. Almond Ricotta
Description: A creamy alternative made from blanched almonds or almond flour.
- Ingredients: Almond flour, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and salt.
- Use: Works well in savory dishes like baked ziti or as a topping for pasta.
3. Vegan Yogurt Ricotta
Description: Combining tofu with plain vegan yogurt creates a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Ingredients: Firm tofu, plain unsweetened vegan yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
- Use: Ideal for both sweet and savory recipes like pasta salads or breakfast spreads14.
4. Cashew Ricotta
Description: Made from soaked cashews blended with lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a rich flavor.
- Ingredients: Soaked cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt.
- Use: Perfect for creamy pasta dishes or as a dip.
5. Cottage Cheese
Description: While not vegan, low-fat cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative to ricotta for vegetarians.
- Ingredients: Cottage cheese (use small curd for a smoother texture).
- Use: Suitable for baked dishes or as a topping on salads.
These alternatives can effectively replace ricotta cheese in recipes while catering to various dietary preferences.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in olive oil until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Combine Sauce: Add marinara sauce to the skillet with vegetables; let simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with spinach and seasonings.
- Layer Ingredients:
- In a large casserole dish, layer half of the vegetable sauce.
- Add half of the cooked pasta followed by half of the ricotta mixture and half of the shredded cheeses.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly[2][3].
Tips for Both Recipes
- You can prepare these dishes ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to three days before baking.
- Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese.
- For a lighter version, consider substituting some pasta with additional vegetables like roasted cauliflower or spinach[4][5].
Enjoy your delicious vegetarian baked ziti!