This easy vegan baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food! Tender pasta is tossed in a rich, homemade tomato sauce, layered with dairy-free cheese, and baked until hot, bubbly, and delicious. Every bite is packed with Italian-inspired flavors, making this a wonderful dinner for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep.

The best part? You don’t need meat or dairy to make a hearty, satisfying baked pasta dish. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a cozy dinner everyone can enjoy.

Prep time

20 minutes

Cook time

40 minutes

Total time

1 hour

Servings

6 servings

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Baked Ziti

• Rich and comforting: A flavorful tomato sauce coats every piece of pasta.
• Completely plant-based: Made without meat, dairy, or eggs.
• Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly instructions.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead and reheat portions throughout the week.
• Easy to customize: Add vegetables, lentils, or vegan sausage for extra flavor and protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta or penne
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded vegan mozzarella-style cheese
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, optional
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Optional creamy layer: Add ½–1 cup of dairy-free ricotta or a homemade tofu ricotta between the pasta layers.

Equipment: A large pot, colander, skillet or saucepan, mixing spoon, and a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse it.

Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it stay firm while baking in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.

Avoid browning the garlic too much, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

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1. Stir the tomato paste into the onion and garlic mixture.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
3. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in the nutritional yeast, if using, for an extra savory, cheesy flavor.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the drained pasta to the tomato sauce.
2. Toss gently until every piece is coated.
3. If the mixture seems too thick, add a small splash of vegetable broth or reserved pasta water.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Make sure the pasta is well coated so it doesn’t dry out in the oven.

Step 5: Assemble the Vegan Ziti

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1. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
2. Spoon half of the sauced pasta into the dish.
3. Sprinkle over half of the vegan mozzarella. If using vegan ricotta, add small spoonfuls between the layers.
4. Add the remaining pasta and finish with the remaining vegan cheese.

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little dried oregano or nutritional yeast over the top.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

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1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce bubbles around the edges and the cheese melts.
3. For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

If your vegan cheese melts slowly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to finish baking.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

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1. Remove the baked ziti from the oven.
2. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce settles and the portions hold together better.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Vegan Baked Ziti

• Choose a good vegan cheese: Use a mozzarella-style cheese that melts well. Different brands behave differently in the oven.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue cooking as it bakes.
• Keep it saucy: Pasta absorbs liquid in the oven, so don’t make the sauce too thick before baking.
• Boost the flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar if your tomato sauce tastes too acidic.
• Add vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the onion.
• Make it heartier: Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based crumbles.

What to Serve With Vegan Ziti

This baked pasta is delicious on its own, but these sides make it a complete meal:

• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce.
• Fresh green salad: Adds a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini pair beautifully with the pasta.
• Vegan Caesar salad: A creamy, tangy side for an Italian-inspired dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Let the ziti cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or warm the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Add a splash of water or tomato sauce if it looks dry.

Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake until heated through and bubbling; allow extra time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make vegan ziti without vegan cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese or use a homemade tofu ricotta made with crumbled firm tofu, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt. The result will be less stretchy but still delicious.

Can I use penne instead of ziti?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, and other sturdy short pasta shapes work well. Choose pasta that holds plenty of sauce.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free ziti or penne and check that your broth, tomato products, and vegan cheese are gluten-free. Cook the pasta according to its package directions.

Can I add vegan ricotta?

Yes. Spread small spoonfuls between the pasta layers before baking. Vegan ricotta adds a creamy texture and makes the casserole feel extra rich.

How do I know when the baked ziti is ready?

The sauce should bubble around the edges, the center should be hot, and the vegan cheese should be melted. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Printable Recipe Card

Vegan Baked Ziti

A hearty, cheesy, plant-based pasta casserole.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Yield

6 servings

Ingredients

0 of 1512 oz (340 g) ziti or penne2 tbsp olive oil1 small onion, diced3 garlic cloves, minced28 oz (794 g) crushed tomatoes15 oz (425 g) tomato sauce2 tbsp tomato paste1 tsp dried oregano1 tsp dried basil½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth1 cup (100 g) vegan mozzarella2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the pasta until just shy of al dente and drain.
2. Sauté onion in olive oil for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.
3. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, herbs, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Toss the pasta with the sauce and nutritional yeast.
5. Layer half the pasta in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Add half the vegan cheese, then the remaining pasta and cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
7. Rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.

Final serving tip:

Serve this vegan ziti straight from the baking dish with fresh basil and warm garlic bread for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough to become a regular favorite.