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To make vegan baked ziti, gather these key items: - 12 oz. ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup nutritional yeast - 1 block (14 oz.) firm tofu, drained - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon basil - 1 teaspoon oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Tofu ricotta is the heart of this dish. It gives a creamy texture and cheesy flavor. The key components are: - Firm tofu provides a solid base. - Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste. - Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor. - Basil and oregano bring herbal notes to the mix. - Salt and pepper balance the taste. You can make this dish your own with some fun twists. Consider adding: - Other veggies like zucchini or eggplant. - Vegan cheese for extra creaminess. - Red pepper flakes for spice. - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh touch. These options let you tailor your vegan baked ziti to your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C). This helps the ziti cook evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring this water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 12 oz. of ziti pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is your base for the yummy ziti. Now, let’s make the tofu ricotta. You will need a blender or food processor for this. Take 1 block (14 oz.) of firm tofu and drain it well. Add it to the blender. Then, add 1 cup of nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of basil, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Blend this mixture until it's smooth and creamy. Taste it and see if it needs more spice. Adjust as needed. This ricotta is key to a rich flavor. Next, let’s cook the veggies. Grab a skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add in 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to get soft and tender. Then, toss in 1 cup of chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts down. This adds great color and taste to your dish. Now it’s time to put everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, 2 cups of marinara sauce, the sautéed vegetables, and your tofu ricotta. Mix it all well. You want every piece of pasta coated in flavor. After mixing, transfer the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes. The top should look golden and bubbly. Once done, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set nicely. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious vegan baked ziti! Tofu ricotta is a game-changer in vegan baked ziti. Start with firm tofu. Make sure to drain it well. This step removes excess water. It helps create a creamy texture. Blend the tofu with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste your ricotta mixture. Adjust seasonings as needed. If you like garlic, add more garlic powder. You can also mix in some lemon juice for a tangy kick. This layer adds depth and flavor to your baked ziti. Perfectly cooked ziti is key for great texture. Start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. Follow the package instructions, but check for doneness a minute early. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the ziti right away. Don't rinse it. Rinsing removes starch that helps with sauce sticking. This helps hold your dish together. Storing vegan baked ziti is simple. Allow it to cool to room temperature first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze leftovers for later. Cut the ziti into portions and wrap them well. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, you can enjoy it anytime! Just thaw in the fridge before reheating. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your baked ziti and make it more vibrant. Experiment with Spices: Don't hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs to the tofu ricotta for a personalized flavor profile. Make Ahead: You can prepare the ziti mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge, making dinner even easier on busy nights. Try Different Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or eggplant for variety and extra nutrients. {{image_2}} You can mix up your vegan baked ziti by adding more veggies. Try using broccoli, zucchini, or eggplant. These options add color and nutrition. You can also use frozen vegetables for convenience. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. This gives you a tasty dish that fits your taste. If you want to change the sauce, you have options! Use pesto instead of marinara for a fresh twist. A creamy vegan alfredo can also work well. Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to boost the flavor of the sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment to find your favorite blend. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free ziti or penne pasta. Many brands make good options using rice or corn. To avoid nuts, skip any nut-based cheeses and stick with tofu ricotta. This way, you can enjoy the meal without worry. Each variation keeps the dish full of flavor and fun! You can store leftover vegan baked ziti in an airtight container. Make sure it cools first. Place it in the fridge for up to five days. When storing, keep it covered. This keeps it fresh and tasty. To freeze, let the ziti cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to three months. Label the containers with the date. This helps you know when to use them. When ready to eat, thaw the ziti in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes. This keeps it moist and prevents it from drying out. Enjoy your hearty meal! Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well. Just make sure the pasta shape can hold the sauce. Cook the pasta as the package says. Follow the same steps to mix it with the sauce and veggies. To make this vegan baked ziti gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Also, check your marinara sauce for gluten. Most are safe, but it's good to check. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal without gluten. If you don't have nutritional yeast, try using vegan cheese. You can also blend soaked cashews with a little lemon juice and garlic. This will give a creamy texture and a cheesy taste. Another option is to use a store-bought vegan cheese substitute. Vegan baked ziti lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. This makes it easy to enjoy leftovers without losing flavor. In this post, we explored how to make vegan baked ziti. We covered all the key ingredients, including tofu ricotta and ways to customize your dish. Step-by-step, I detailed how to prepare, assemble, and bake this tasty meal. You learned valuable tips, variations, and storage information to fit your needs. Vegan baked ziti is not just delicious; it’s a fun dish to make. Enjoy creating this meal for your family or friends!

Cheesy Vegan Baked Ziti

A delicious and comforting vegan twist on classic baked ziti, made with tofu ricotta and plenty of vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup nutritional yeast
  • 14 oz firm tofu, drained
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the drained tofu, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, sautéed vegetables, and tofu ricotta. Mix until everything is well combined.
  • Spread the ziti mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and bubbly.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Keyword baked ziti, comfort food, pasta, vegan