Name: baked ziti without ricotta a comforting flavorful pasta dish for any occasion
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400 g (14 oz) Ziti Pasta – Uncooked: Boil to al dente.; 2 cups (480 ml) Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade.; 1 cup (150 g) Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred, drained well.; ¾ cup (150 g) Raw Cashews: Soaked 2 h, drained.; ¼ cup (60 ml) Unsweetened Almond Milk: Or other plant-based milk.; 1 clove Garlic: Minced.; 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil: Plus extra for breadcrumbs.; ½ tsp (2 g) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth.; ½ tsp (2 g) Sea Salt: Enhances flavors.; ¼ tsp (1 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds spice.; 1 ½ cups (150 g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Halal-certified.; ½ cup (50 g) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Halal-certified.; ½ cup (60 g) Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping.; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Melted Butter or Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Binds breadcrumbs.; 2 tbsp (6 g) Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness.; Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish.; Extra Roasted Red Pepper Cream (optional).

Description

This baked ziti recipe elevates classic comfort food with a creamy roasted red pepper swirl, offering a vibrant and flavorful twist on a family favorite. It’s perfect for gatherings and sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

400 g (14 oz) Ziti Pasta – Uncooked: Boil to al dente.
2 cups (480 ml) Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade.
1 cup (150 g) Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred, drained well.
¾ cup (150 g) Raw Cashews: Soaked 2 h, drained.
¼ cup (60 ml) Unsweetened Almond Milk: Or other plant-based milk.
1 clove Garlic: Minced.
1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil: Plus extra for breadcrumbs.
½ tsp (2 g) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth.
½ tsp (2 g) Sea Salt: Enhances flavors.
¼ tsp (1 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds spice.
1 ½ cups (150 g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Halal-certified.
½ cup (50 g) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Halal-certified.
½ cup (60 g) Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping.
2 tbsp (30 ml) Melted Butter or Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Binds breadcrumbs.
2 tbsp (6 g) Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness.
Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish.
Extra Roasted Red Pepper Cream (optional).

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a baking dish.
Cook the Ziti: Boil ziti for 8-9 minutes until al dente, then drain.
Craft Red Pepper Cream: Blend soaked cashews, peppers, milk, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Warm Marinara: Gently warm marinara sauce on the stovetop.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss ziti with marinara and half the mozzarella.
Layer First Half: Spread half the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
Create Red Pepper Swirl: Drop and swirl red pepper cream into the pasta.
Add Remaining Pasta: Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and breadcrumb mixture.
Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving, garnish with basil.

Notes

Soaking cashews is crucial for a creamy sauce. For best results, use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg