Four-Cheese Baked Ziti (Vegetarian-Friendly)

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 190  C
Servings: 6
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Four-Cheese Baked Ziti is a rich, comforting Italian-style pasta bake made with ziti pasta, robust marinara sauce, and a luxurious blend of four melty cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this oven-baked classic delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying comfort in every bite.

Ingredients
    For the Pasta
  • 500 g ziti pasta
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tbsp salt
    • For the Sauce Base
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, halal-certified)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
    • For the Four-Cheese Mixture
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (halal-certified, microbial rennet)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 0.75 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (halal-certified)
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated (vegetarian or halal-certified)
    • For Assembly & Topping
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta cooking water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the dish)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
    Cook the Ziti Pasta
  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, following package instructions. Reserve about 0.5 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
    2. Prepare the Sauce Base
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
    3. Build the Marinara Sauce
  3. 3
    Pour the marinara sauce into the pan. Add dried oregano, dried basil, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
    4. Mix the Cheeses
  4. 4
    In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the cheddar, and half of the parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
    5. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese
  5. 5
    Add the cooked ziti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Stir in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Gently fold in the cheese mixture, ensuring the pasta is well covered.
    6. Assemble the Baked Ziti
  6. 6
    Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan over the top.
    7. Bake to Perfection
  7. 7
    Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
    8. Rest and Serve
  8. 8
    Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Note
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully in this recipe.
  • Extra Creamy Version: Add 0.25 cup fresh cream to the sauce before mixing with pasta.
Keywords: cheesy baked pasta, four-cheese ziti, vegetarian pasta bake, comfort food, oven-baked pasta
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/four-cheese-baked-ziti-vegetarian-friendly/