DelMarValicious Dishes

  • All Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • All Recipes
  • Contact Me
  • Delmarvalicious Dishes
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Test
  • Get Social

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • All Recipes
    • Contact Me
    • Delmarvalicious Dishes
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe
    • Test
  • Get Social

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Seven blueberry banana muffins on a wire cooling rack, surrounded by purple flowers. A small blue bowl filled with fresh blueberries is in the background. The golden-brown muffins are studded with visible blueberries, creating a delicious fusion of flavors and textures.
      Easy Blueberry Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins
    • A plate of crispy smashed potatoes topped with crumbled cheese and chopped herbs, served on a buffalo sauce. There's a gold fork on the side. A small dish with more cheese crumbles is partially visible in the background.
      Crispy Blue Cheese Buffalo Smashed Potatoes
    • A sweet potato and halloumi salad elegantly sits in a bowl, featuring leafy greens, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and pomegranate seeds. Chunks of halloumi cheese are topped with a drizzle of dressing. A wooden table and fresh sweet potatoes complete the backdrop.
      Roasted Sweet Potato and Grilled Halloumi Salad
    • A rectangular tart with golden brown pastry, topped with sliced sweet potatoes and mushrooms. Garnished with herbs. Surrounding the tart are sprigs of greenery and an orange vegetable slice on a light wooden surface.
      Savory Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart 
    • A glass bottle filled with a creamy orange pumpkin spice coffee creamer is surrounded by autumn decor, including vibrant orange chrysanthemums, a small white pumpkin, and a glass of black coffee on wooden coasters. Coffee beans are scattered nearby.
      Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer with Sweetened Condensed Milk
    • Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats. You may need to add a few minutes of cooking time to ensure that the casserole is heated thoroughly.
      Sweet Potato and Chorizo Breakfast Casserole
    • A roasted turkey on a tray, surrounded by lemon slices and fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary, garnished for presentation. The turkey is golden-brown and placed on a textured metal serving dish.
      Juicy Spatchcocked Smoked Turkey (Smoker Recipe)
    • A glass bowl filled with a savory Old Bay Chex Mix, featuring square cereal pieces and pretzels, seasoned to perfection. The mix is placed on a wooden surface, with additional snack pieces and a can of Old Bay seasoning visible in the background.
      Sweet and Salty Old Bay Chex Mix
    • A frothy iced coffee drink in a gold-rimmed glass sits on a wooden tray adorned with small white and orange pumpkins and a large orange candle. In the background is another glass of the same drink, and a jar filled with an orange-colored beverage.
      Pumpkin Cold Foam Recipe (Cold Coffee Topping)
    • A close-up of a white bowl filled with quinoa salad, featuring chunks of beetroot, arugula leaves, and green herbs. The dish appears colorful and fresh, highlighting a healthy and vibrant mix of ingredients.
      Roasted Beet Quinoa Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
    • A Strawberry Basil Gin Smash garnished with strawberries, lemon wedges and basil leaves.
      Strawberry Basil Smash (Gin Cocktail Recipe)
    • A mug of cold coffee topped with cold foam and garnished with fresh strawberries.
      3 Ingredient Strawberry Cold Foam (Cold Coffee Topping)
    Delmarvalicious Dishes » Recipes

    5 Ingredient Meatless Baked Ziti (Kraft Copycat Recipe)

    Published: Sep 29, 2023 · Modified: Sep 29, 2023 by Lynne Kenton · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    • Email
    • Print
    ↓ Jump to Recipe
    Print Recipe

    5 Ingredient Meatless Baked Ziti (Kraft Copycat Recipe) is an easy weeknight dinner! This three-cheese comfort food comes together quickly and serves a crowd. A perfect meal for busy weeknights and back to school!

    A piece of golden 5 ingredient baked ziti ready to be enjoyed!

    The weather is beginning to cool down and I am all about cozy comfort food. This recipe is my take on the Classic Kraft Baked Ziti recipe. With a few slight changes, I have made this recipe a family favorite!

    After enjoying this Roasted Tomato and Corn Pasta Salad ALL SUMMER LONG, I knew that I needed a go-to winter pasta and this 5 Ingredient Baked Ziti is it! Pair this ziti with this Simple Brussels Sprout Salad for the ultimate fall dinner!

    Jump to:
    • 5 Ingredient Baked Ziti Details
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • 📖 Recipe

    5 Ingredient Baked Ziti Details

    Flavor: Because this baked ziti only has 5 ingredients, use a flavorful marinara sauce as the sauce will give your pasta all of the flavor! I like to use one with basil and garlic. 

    Time: 40 minutes including prep and bake time! 

    Level of Difficulty: Simple! This meal is so simple to make, I recommend it to even the most basic cook. 

    Ingredients

    5 ingredients is all that it takes to make this ziti casserole!

    • Ziti Pasta: Substitute ziti noodles for penne pasta or rigatoni noodles.
    • Pasta Sauce: Use a high quality sauce! I like to use Rao's or a homemade sauce.
    • Ricotta Cheese: Substitute cream cheese which is what the Kraft recipe calls for. You can also substitute cottage cheese for a creamy baked pasta!
    • Mozzarella Cheese: Use pre-shredded mozzarella or a sliced mozzarella log. 
    • Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own cheese or use a freshly shredded parmesan cheese for the best flavor. 
    5 Ingredient Baked Ziti ingredients: rigatoni noodles (substitute for ziti noodles), tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    1. Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. 
    2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Cook noodles to al dente (2 minutes less than minimum cook time). 
    3. While the pasta is cooking, add pasta sauce and ricotta cheese to a large saucepan over low heat. Stir together the make a pink sauce. 
    4. Once pasta is cooked, drain pasta and put back into the large bowl. Pour the ricotta sauce mixture over top of the pasta. Stir together to coat noodles.
    5. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the casserole dish. Top with one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour remaining pasta on top. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. 
    6. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until cheese melts. Turn broiler on and broil for 2 minutes until the top becomes golden.
    7. Remove baked pasta from the oven and let pasta dish sit for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to set and sink into the noodles. 
    8. Enjoy!
    Boiling noodles al dente for copycat kraft baked ziti

    Cook pasta in boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions.

    Mixing tomato sauce and ricotta cheese together to make a creamy sauce for the 5 ingredient baked ziti (kraft copycat recipe)

    On the stove over medium low heat, mix together tomato sauce and ricotta cheese.

    First layer of cheesy noodles in baking dish

    Mix pasta with ricotta mixture. Place half of the mixture in a 9x13 casserole dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

    Two layers of ziti noodles with mozzarella cheese in the middle

    Add remaining noodles as a second layer in baking dish.

    5 ingredient baked ziti topped with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese

    Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.

    Golden Baked Ziti after cooking in oven and broiling to perfection

    Bake in oven until cheese is melted about 25 minutes. Broil for 2 minutes on high until cheese is golden.

    Variations

    This is a very simple baked ziti recipe! Try one (or all) of these variations for more delicious dinners. 

    • Add more protein while still keeping the recipe meatless by using Chickpea Pasta. Chickpea Pasta has high protein and high fiber making it a very healthy alternative to traditional pasta. 
    • Sneak in some vegetables! Sauté some spinach in olive oil and mix the spinach into the ricotta sauce mixture. 
    • Add some meat! Cook Italian sausage, lean ground beef or chicken and add to the tomato sauce to make a meat sauce.

    Equipment

    The most basic kitchen equipment is needed to make this creamy baked ziti!

    • Large Pot: to boil the noodles
    • Large Saucepan: to make the cheesy sauce 
    • 9x13 Baking Dish: to bake the ziti

    Storage

    Store baked ziti refrigerated in airtight container for 3 days. 

    This 5 Ingredient Baked Ziti freezes well! You can freeze leftovers or make a tray of ziti to freeze! 

    I often will bake one small ziti and use the remaining ziti as a freezer dinner. Simply follow the recipe instructions until the ziti needs to go into the oven. Be sure to put pasta in a freezer-safe baking dish. Allow ziti to cool to room temperature. Tightly cover with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. 

    To bake, dethaw ziti overnight in the refrigerator. Before cooking, bring ziti to room temperature. Bake as directed. 

    Top tip

    When baking a previously frozen baked ziti, make sure that the center of the ziti is hot before removing it from the oven. This is a heavy pasta dish and can take time to dethaw. It may take longer to bake in the oven. If the ziti is not hot in the center, cover the ziti with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. 

    FAQ

    What kind of noodles can I substitute for ziti noodles?

    Good substitutes for ziti noodles are penne pasta or rigatoni noodles. Rigatoni is my favorite! It is a larger tube pasta with ribs. The ribs help to hold the cheese sauce mixture on the noodles. 

    What should I serve with baked ziti?

    Serve baked ziti with a green salad, garlic bread or crusty bread with butter. You could also serve with a side of meatballs for some extra protein!

    What is the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

    Baked Ziti is a pasta dish that is tossed with a cheesy sauce mixture and cheese. Lasagna is made by layering pasta noodles, sauce and cheese. Baked Ziti is easier to make than lasagna because you can mix the ziti mixture and pour into the pan as opposed to layering the ingredients with lasagna.

    Serving a chunk of baked ziti from a casserole dish

    Related

    Looking for other main dish recipes? Try one of these:

    • Tray of Ham and Cheese Sammies showing layers of cheese, ham and a buttery sesame seed top.
      Ham & Cheese Sammies
    • Three bowls of Sweet and Spicy Venison Chili (Crockpot Recipe). Bowls are topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and jalapenos.
      Award Winning Venison Chili (Easy Crockpot Recipe)
    • Close up shot of chickpeas, diced tomatoes and chorizo in a bowl over rice
      Frito Chickpeas with Chorizo Recipe (One Pot Meal)
    • Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Poppers. The best dish to make during dove season!
      Oven Baked Jalapeno Bacon Dove Poppers

    Pairing

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with pasta dishes:

    • Easy, Everyday, Baked Meatballs in a serving bowl garnished with parmesan, basil and tomato sauce
      Oven Baked Venison Meatballs (Easy and Tasty Recipe)
    • Plate with ricotta toast and tomatoes on top.
      Cherry Tomato Ricotta Toast (Easy Appetizer Recipe)
    • Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board with all of the veggies and dips
      How To Build A Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board
    • Vegetable Bruschetta with cherry tomatoes, zucchini and yellow squash drizzled with a balsamic glaze
      Vegetable Bruschetta with Cherry Tomatoes and Squash

    📖 Recipe

    A tray of 5 ingredient meatless baked ziti, a Kraft copycat recipe
    Print Recipe
    5 from 5 votes

    5 Ingredient Meatless Baked Ziti (Kraft Copycat Recipe)

    5 Ingredient Meatless Baked Ziti (Kraft Copycat Recipe) is an easy weeknight dinner! This three-cheese comfort food comes together quickly and serves a crowd. A perfect meal for busy weeknights and back to school!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time25 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 613kcal
    Author: Lynne Kenton

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz Ziti
    • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
    • 24 oz Pasta Sauce
    • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
    • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking sheet with cooking spray.
    • Cook pasta until al dente (about 2 minutes less than directed on the package).
    • In a pot over medium low heat, stir to combine tomato sauce and ricotta cheese for about 5 minutes.
    • Once pasta is cooked, add the pasta to the cheese/sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
    • Place half of the pasta in the 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
    • Add the remaining pasta to the dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted.
    • Turn oven to broil. Broil baked ziti until the top is golden.
    • Remove from oven and let ziti sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6g | Calories: 613kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1.127mg | Potassium: 639mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1.203IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 514mg | Iron: 3mg

    More Recipes

    • A serving bowl full of pasta mixed with kale and tomatoes. Parmesan and fresh herbs surround the bowl.
      Easy Sun-Dried Tomato and Kale Pasta Salad
    • A large serving bowl full of slaw with extra red pepper slices and limes.
      Kohlrabi and Red Pepper Slaw Recipe (Without Mayo)
    • Watermelon salad on a plate with extra dressing, watermelon chunks and cucumber slices in bowls.
      Watermelon Salad with Kohlrabi and Hot Honey Dressing
    • A large bowl of chickpea salad with a serving spoon and cilantro.
      Healthy Grilled Street Corn and Chickpea Salad

    Sharing is caring!

    • Email
    • Print

    Comments

    1. Tara says

      October 01, 2023 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars

      Oh yum! You had me at only five ingredients. Such a fantastic weeknight dinner option and so comforting.

      Reply
      • delmarvaliciousdishes says

        October 03, 2023 at 3:27 pm

        Fantastic! So happy your family enjoyed the ziti 🙂

        Reply
    2. Suja md says

      October 01, 2023 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars

      Wow! this is my new favorite recipe!

      Reply
      • delmarvaliciousdishes says

        October 03, 2023 at 3:27 pm

        So happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Dina and Bruce says

      October 01, 2023 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      This is a meal that hits just right! Had all the ingredients! Yum!!

      Reply
      • delmarvaliciousdishes says

        October 03, 2023 at 3:27 pm

        Great! I love that this recipe uses all pantry staples.

        Reply
    4. Dannii says

      October 01, 2023 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing. The ricotta in it was incredible.

      Reply
      • delmarvaliciousdishes says

        October 03, 2023 at 3:26 pm

        I love how smooth the ricotta makes the ziti!

        Reply
    5. Charla says

      October 01, 2023 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      Yay! No meat? Sign me up! I'm cutting out meat right now so I need this in my life.

      Reply
      • delmarvaliciousdishes says

        October 03, 2023 at 3:26 pm

        And it is still filling without meat!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Lynne Kenton of Delmarvalicious Dishes with ice cream cone

    Hi, I am Lynne and I am happy you are here! I love being in the kitchen welcoming friends and family. At Delmarvalicious Dishes, you will find simple meals, handheld snacks and a mix of coffee and cocktails!

    More about me →

    Game Day Recipes

    • A platter of parmesan bread bites with pizza sauce.
      Air Fryer Parmesan Bread Bites (Copycat Domino's)
    • Air Fryer Potato Wedges (Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat)
    • Roasted Indian Cauliflower (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)
    • Biscoff Cookie Butter Chex Mix placed in a large mixing bowl with extra cookies and cookie butter.
      Biscoff Cookie Butter Chex Mix (Muddy Buddy Snack)

    search for more Game Day Recipes

    Trending Recipes

    • Bowl of Onion Soup Beef Stew with green beans, carrots and potatoes
      Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew (using Onion Soup Mix)
    • Jar of Peanut Butter Cold Foam to be used as a coffee topping
      Peanut Butter Cold Foam (Cold Coffee Topping)
    • A Cosmopolitan in a martini glass garnished with lime zest
      Large Batch Cosmopolitan Recipe (Party Cocktail)
    • A plate full of Honey Old Bay Wings served with the homemade honey old bay sauce and ranch dressing.
      Crispy Honey Old Bay Wings (Oven Baked)

    Coffee Recipes

    • Coffee milkshakes topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.
      Frozen Coffee Milkshake with Malted Milk Powder
    • Mocha Lavender Latte Recipe with Homemade Syrup
    • Coffee Ice Cream Float showing three distinct layers: the blueberry milk layer, the cold brew layer and the ice cream layer.
      Blueberry Chai Coffee Ice Cream Float (Cold Brew Recipe)
    • An Irish Cream Breve with four leaf clovers and coffee beans.
      Classic Irish Cream Breve (Easy Coffee Recipe)

    search for more coffee recipes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Site Privacy

    • Privacy Policy

    Get In Touch

    • Contact Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright ©2020 - 2025 Delmarvalicious Dishes