This Gluten Free Baked Ziti recipe is not only a delicious meal but easy to make too. It's perfect for a family dinner but also a meal prep friendly option for the week.
The worst thing is coming home after a long day and realizing you still have to make dinner. However, this isn't the worst thing if you know an easy dinner to make.
This is where my Easy Baked Ziti recipe comes into play (can be made gluten free!).
My recipe is a classic version of this popular pasta dish. It is the perfect meal for when you're tired or in a time crunch.
The recipe uses simple ingredients, is easy to make and spends most of it's time in the oven so you can take care of other to-do's while it bakes.
Another bonus to this recipe is that it makes a big tray. Therefore, you can have leftovers throughout the week or make enough for the entire family to enjoy.
Main Ingredients
- gluten free pasta
- marinara sauce
- ricotta
- mozzarella
- parmesan
- basil
- oregano
What kind of pasta noodle is in a baked ziti?
Of course the main answer is the ziti shaped noodle. However, when making baked ziti, you want to use any short noodle also like penne or rigatoni.
You wouldn't want to use a spaghetti, linguine or similar pasta as that will change the end result.
How to Make this Gluten Free Ziti
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F so that it is ready when you're done making the ziti.
- Next, you will want to gather your ingredients, making sure you have enough of each and measuring everything out.
- Assemble the baked ziti according to the layers in the recipe card below.
- Once the ziti is assembled and ready to go in the oven you will bake the gluten free ziti for about 30 minutes depending on the strength of your oven.
- Broil the ziti for 2-3 minutes to get the perfect golden top with the cheese bubbly.
- It is important to let the ziti cool before serving. this will allow you to cut it easier in portions.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days .
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This creates a smooth ricotta texture that binds the pasta together.
Not for this recipe! The pasta isn't baking too long so it doesn't risk burning on top. You would do this so that the cheese and pasta on top don't overcook or get burnt.
If you need to reheat in the oven, you can add aluminum foil on top to cover the ziti.
Nope! You can use any short form (ziti or penne) pasta that you like or prefer to use.
Yes it is! You can make this recipe on a Snday and have it throughout the week. It makes a big batch (about 7-8 servings) and is plenty for you and your loved ones.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Related Recipes
- Tortellini Caprese Salad
- Pasta Pesto Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Watermelon Feta Basil Pasta Salad
- Goat Cheese Gnocchi by Cilantro Parsley
If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a rating and comment at the end of this blog post. It is incredibly helpful to my small business and to your fellow readers!
Easy Gluten Free Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 28 oz pasta sauce
- 16 oz ziti / penne pasta
- 1 egg large
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
- Boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to only cook until al dente or just before as it will continue to bake in the oven
- Drain and rinse the pasta when ready
- In a small bowl, mix the egg, ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese
- In a 9x13 glass pan, add a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the pan (about 1 to 1 ½ cups)
- Add half of the ziti pasta on top and then spread the ricotta mixture in an even layer on top of the pasta
- On top of the ricotta mixture add half of the remaining pasta sauce in an even layer
- Spread the remaining ziti on top, add the sauce and rest of mozzarella cheese on top
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until slightly golden and bubbly
- Turn the oven to broil and leave in for an additional 1-2 minutes if you'd like the cheese to get more golden on top
- Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and enjoy!
This was such a hit last night. Everyone loved it. A great new way to enjoy pasta! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much and I am so happy you enjoyed!
A new family favorite! This gluten-free ziti is absolutely perfect!
Thank you so much and I am so happy you enjoyed!