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gluten-free baked ziti - featured image

Gluten-Free Baked Ziti: Easy, Protein-Packed Meal

  • Author: Karina
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A hearty, creamy gluten-free baked ziti featuring whole milk ricotta, fresh basil, and a quinoa-rice pasta blend. This protein-packed comfort food is easy to make in one dish and delivers restaurant-quality flavor without gluten.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz gluten-free ziti or penne (brown rice and quinoa blend)
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup whole milk parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dice onion, mince garlic, and chop basil. Grate parmesan and shred mozzarella. Let ricotta come to room temperature.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gluten-free pasta for 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in marinara sauce and dried oregano. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Remove from heat.
  7. In a bowl, mix ricotta with half the basil, half the parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  8. Spread half the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop ricotta mixture on top and spread. Add remaining pasta.
  9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan over the top.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  11. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining fresh basil.

Notes

Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven. Use room temperature ricotta for a smoother mixture. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow layers to set. For a crispy top, sprinkle extra parmesan before baking or broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 620
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Carbohydrates: 52
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: gluten-free baked ziti, gluten-free pasta, ricotta cheese, protein-packed meal, comfort food, dairy, vegetarian

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Find it online: https://plateori.com/gluten-free-baked-ziti-easy-protein-packed-meal/