Vegan Baked Ziti

This vegan baked ziti is comfort food at its best. With bits of plant-based sausage and layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and plant-based ricotta, this is a comfy casserole the entire family will enjoy.

Vegan baked ziti is what I like to call proper comfort food. It's a simple yet delicious pasta bake that's just perfect for weeknight treats or when you want to meal prep something super satisfying and tasty.

Baked ziti is a traditional Italian-American dish that can be made in countless ways but typically includes a tomato-based meat sauce, ziti noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella.

Since this is a vegan baked ziti recipe, the sausage, ricotta and mozzarella used are all plant-based.

This is the perfect recipe to make when you have some shop-bought plant-based cheese in the fridge, and you're not sure what to do with it.

And since we're using shop-bought cheese, it means that you can have it on the table super quickly, as you don't need to make your ricotta from scratch. Just perfect for those busy days!

Why you'll love this vegan baked ziti

• It's super comforting - You get all that cozy, cheesy goodness without any dairy.
• So easy to make - Making this vegan baked ziti is pretty straightforward. Mix, layer, bake, and boom - deliciousness!
• Leftovers taste great - It tastes even better the next day, making your lunch game strong. Plus, it's great for meal prep!

What you'll need

Ziti or another short pasta - Ziti is traditional, but feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta. If you want the dish to hold together better, choose pasta with ridges to catch more sauce.

Olive oil - Use a splash of good-quality olive oil to sauté the onions and sausage.

Onion - Yellow onions are a great choice, but white onions would do, too. Dice them finely for even distribution in the dish.

Plant-based sausage - Opt for your favorite brand here. Alternatively, use a plant-based ground beef alternative.

Marinara sauce - Choose a herb-infused marinara sauce for extra flavor if you like.

Italian seasoning mix - This usually includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You can also make your own mix and adjust the amounts as needed.

Plant-based ricotta - This vegan baked ziti is the perfect recipe to try when you don't know what to do with that plant-based ricotta in your fridge. It adds so much creaminess to the dish!

If you can't find plant-based ricotta, you could blend soft tofu with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt as a substitute.

Plant-based grated mozzarella - Look for a melt-friendly variety; the one from Violife is typically my go-to choice.

How to make vegan baked ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti (or your choice of short pasta) and cook until it's just al dente. You want it slightly undercooked since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for a couple of minutes until it's translucent.

Add the sliced plant-based sausage and sauté the mixture until the sausage is slightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the marinara sauce together with the Italian seasoning mix and salt, and allow the mixture to bubble for 3-4 minutes on medium-low heat.

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir well to combine.

In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Dollop spoonfuls of plant-based ricotta over it and gently spread. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.

Sprinkle plant-based grated mozzarella over the top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Once baked, let the ziti sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.

Helpful tips

• Cook the pasta until just al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming too mushy.
• Taste your marinara sauce before adding extra seasoning. Adjust the Italian seasoning and salt accordingly.
• A 9x13-inch baking dish works best for this vegan baked ziti with ricotta. If you use a deeper dish, you might need to increase the baking time slightly.
• Keep an eye on the ziti during the last few minutes of baking. You want a golden-brown top without burning the cheese.

Substitutions and variations

• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Just be mindful of the cooking time indicated on the package.
• Swap the plant-based sausage for other plant-based proteins like tempeh, tofu, or your favorite plant-based meat.
• Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for an extra veggie boost.

What to serve with this vegan baked ziti casserole

• Garlic bread: Vegan garlic bread is a classic choice. It's perfect for mopping up any extra sauce, and I love the extra crunch!
• A simple salad: Serve the vegan baked ziti with a fresh salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic or lemon dressing.
• Steamed vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are a perfect addition to this creamy pasta dish.

Leftovers and storage

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll stay good for up to 5 days.
• Pop it in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover the baking dish with foil in the oven to prevent drying out.
• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags. It'll last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

If you liked this vegan baked ziti recipe, you might also like some of my other easy vegan pasta recipes:

• Easy One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac
• Easy Tomato Orzo
• Silken Tofu Pasta Sauce
• Chili Garlic Pasta
• One Pot Vegan Pasta

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