Dairy-Free Baked Ziti

Get ready to savor the comfort of classic pasta with a modern twist in this Dairy-Free Baked Ziti! Perfectly al dente ziti pasta is layered with a hearty tomato sauce, a creamy tofu "ricotta," and melty dairy-free mozzarella cheese, creating a wholesome, plant-based version of this beloved Italian-American dish. The addition of nutritional yeast and fresh spinach not only boosts flavor but also adds a nutritious punch. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and just 40 minutes of bake time, this crowd-pleasing vegan recipe is a go-to for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. Serve it straight out of the oven with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal that's dairy-free, delicious, and loaded with flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 14 ounces firm tofu, drained and crumbled
• 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup dairy-free mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.

Step 6

In a medium bowl, combine crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a creamy tofu 'ricotta'.

Step 7

Add the chopped spinach to the mixture and stir until the spinach is well incorporated.

Step 8

Add the cooked ziti pasta to the tomato sauce in the skillet, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.

Step 9

Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer the tofu mixture over the pasta evenly.

Step 10

Add the remaining pasta over the tofu layer and top with shredded dairy-free mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 13

Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1973.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2668.4

Total Fat 92.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3333.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 340.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.5g	0%
Total Sugars 47.2g
Protein 125.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3707.4mg	0%
Iron 34.2mg	0%
Potassium 3980.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.9%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 50.5%