Cheesy Meatless Baked Ziti

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cheesy Meatless Baked Ziti.

1. Step 1

   Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

2. Step 2

   In a spacious pot, bring lightly salted water to a vigorous boil.

3. Step 3

   Toss in the ziti pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, which should take about 8 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

5. Step 5

   In a large mixing bowl, blend together the mozzarella, ricotta, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, Romano cheese, chopped onion, parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, ground thyme, salt, and pepper.

6. Step 6

   Stir until all the ingredients are harmoniously combined.

7. Step 7

   Next, fold in the cooked ziti and 2 cups of marinara sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is generously coated.

8. Step 8

   To prepare your baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish.

9. Step 9

   Gently pour the ziti mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

10. Step 10

    Top it off with the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce and sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

11. Step 11

    Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.

12. Step 12

    After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden brown.

13. Step 13

    Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

14. Step 14

    This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

15. Step 15

    Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!.