Meatless Baked Ziti

In the heart of comfort food, there lies a dish that warms the soul with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Baked ziti, a beloved classic, has a special place on the dinner table, offering a meatless version that promises to delight vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Today, we’re diving into a delicious Meatless Baked Ziti recipe that’s not only easy to make but also packed with mouthwatering ingredients. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s gather the ingredients for this delectable dish:

• 16 ounces of ziti, penne, or mostaccioli
• 24 ounces of marinara or spaghetti sauce (choose your favorite brand or use homemade)
• 14 ounces of petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ to 1 cup of sour cream, ricotta, or cottage cheese (based on your preference)
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (feel free to add more for that extra cheesy goodness)

Cooking Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a comforting meal that’s sure to impress:

1. Preheat your oven to 375º F and prepare a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember, pasta should be firm to the bite as it will continue to soften when baked.
3. Create the sauce mixture by combining the marinara sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Stir until well combined. A quick tip to soften cream cheese is to microwave the unwrapped block for about 45-60 seconds.
4. Combine pasta with sauce by adding the drained pasta to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the dish by pouring half of the pasta mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Then, spread the sour cream (or your choice of ricotta or cottage cheese) over the pasta, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the shredded cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the cheese has melted beautifully.

Serving and Nutritional Information

This recipe serves 6, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. Each serving packs approximately 611 kcal, providing a fulfilling meal that’s bound to satisfy. The total preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 35 minutes, summing up to a total time of 50 minutes from start to finish.

Conclusion

This Meatless Baked Ziti recipe is a testament to the fact that comfort food can be both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a meatless Monday option, catering to vegetarian guests, or simply in the mood for a cheesy pasta bake, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Gather your ingredients, follow these straightforward steps, and get ready to enjoy a comforting classic that’ll make you feel right at home.