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Nothing beats a hearty, comforting dish like Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With layers of ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and three types of cheese, it’s a cheesy, saucy delight. The garlic and herbs add a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
The name of the recipe: Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix well.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
Read more: Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make vegetarian baked ziti casserole
Ziti pasta: Provides the hearty base, holding up well to baking and absorbing flavors from the sauce and cheese.
Marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor, essential for coating the pasta and blending with the cheeses.
Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy texture, balancing the acidity of the marinara and adding richness to the dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy layer on top and throughout the casserole.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste and providing a nice contrast to the other cheeses.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth, complementing the tomato sauce and cheeses perfectly.
Dried basil: Brings a sweet, herbal note that elevates the marinara sauce and complements the other ingredients.
Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor, balancing the sweetness of the basil and richness of the cheeses.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Needed to cook the ziti pasta until al dente, ensuring it holds up during baking.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining marinara sauce, cheeses, and seasonings with the cooked pasta.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the ziti mixture, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
- Colander: Drains the cooked pasta, removing excess water to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Wooden spoon: Helps mix the pasta and sauce evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti pasta
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix well.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the ziti casserole as directed but don't bake.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but skip baking.
- Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce before mixing it with the pasta.
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