Comfort food gets a guilt-free makeover with this Vegan Baked Ziti a hearty, layered pasta casserole bursting with savory seitan sausage, herb-infused tomato sauce, and velvety cashew mozzarella. Perfect for vegans and omnivores alike, this dish proves plant-based eating doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or meal-prepping for the week, this Vegan Baked Ziti Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
The Rise of Vegan Comfort Food
As plant-based diets surge in popularity, classics like Vegan Baked Ziti have become staples, reimagining traditional recipes with innovative ingredients. Seitan (a protein-rich wheat gluten) and cashew-based cheeses replace meat and dairy, offering a sustainable yet indulgent alternative. This dish is a testament to how vegan cuisine can honor tradition while embracing modern culinary creativity.
Why This Vegan Baked Ziti Recipe Shines
- 100% plant-based: No dairy, eggs, or animal products.
- Protein-packed: Seitan and cashews deliver 15g protein per serving.
- Meal-prep champion: Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
- Allergy-friendly: Easily adaptable to gluten-free or nut-free diets.
Recipe Details & Difficulty
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Difficulty Level: Moderate
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Chef’s Notes, Tips & Variations
Pro Tips for Success
- Undercook pasta: Ziti firms up while baking.
- Soak cashews: Essential for creamy texture unless using a Vitamix.
- Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and swap seitan for lentils or Beyond Meat.
Flavor Boosters
- Spinach layer: Add 2 cups fresh spinach between pasta layers.
- Smoky twist: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the tomato sauce.
- Spicier: Double red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole for 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Cover with foil; bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Yield | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x | 420 | 18g | 50g | 15g |
| 2x | 420 | 18g | 50g | 15g |
| 4x | 420 | 18g | 50g | 15g |
Values approximate; may vary based on brands.
Ingredients for Vegan Baked Ziti (1x, 2x, 4x Yields)
| 1x (10 Servings) | 2x (20 Servings) | 4x (40 Servings) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb ziti pasta | 2 lbs | 4 lbs |
| 13 oz seitan sausage | 26 oz | 52 oz |
| 4 tsp olive oil | 8 tsp | 16 tsp |
| 1 large yellow onion | 2 large | 4 large |
| 2 cloves garlic | 4 cloves | 8 cloves |
| 1 tsp salt | 2 tsp | 4 tsp |
| 1 tsp dried basil | 2 tsp | 4 tsp |
| 1 tsp dried oregano | 2 tsp | 4 tsp |
| ½ tsp dried thyme | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| ½ tsp garlic powder | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Pinch red pepper flakes | 2 pinches | 4 pinches |
| 43 oz canned tomatoes* | 86 oz | 172 oz |
| 1 cup cashews* | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| 1 cup water | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| ½ cup refined coconut oil | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| 1 tsp apple cider vinegar | 2 tsp | 4 tsp |
| 1 clove garlic (sauce) | 2 cloves | 4 cloves |
| 2 tbsp tapioca starch | ¼ cup | ½ cup |
| 1 tbsp nutritional yeast | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp |
Ingredient Notes:
- Seitan sausage: Upton’s Naturals or homemade for best texture.
- Cashews: Soak in boiling water for 30 minutes if not using a high-speed blender.
- Tomatoes: San Marzano recommended for balanced acidity.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Ziti
Boil ziti in salted water for 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Seitan Sausage Tomato Sauce
- Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a pot over medium. Add crumbled seitan; cook 3 minutes until browned. Remove.
- Add remaining oil and onion; sauté 8–10 minutes until caramelized. Stir in garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes.
- Add pulsed tomatoes and seitan. Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Vegan Mozzarella Sauce
Blend soaked cashews, water, coconut oil, vinegar, garlic, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, and salt until silky-smooth.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss pasta with half the tomato sauce. Layer in a greased casserole:
- Sauce → pasta → tomato sauce → mozzarella sauce. Repeat.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly. Broil 2–5 minutes for a golden top.
Local Offers of Vegan Baked Ziti
- Whole Foods: Stock up on seitan and San Marzano tomatoes. If you’re a fan of authentic Italian flavors, check out our guide on what makes the best pizza for breakfast.
- Walmart: Great Value nutritional yeast and affordable cashews. Need more vegan-friendly options? Try our 4-ingredient guacamole recipe for a quick and delicious side dish.
- Instacart: Order vegan staples for same-day delivery. If you’re planning a plant-based meal, don’t miss our recipe for Southwest Chicken Power Salad—just swap the chicken for a vegan alternative!
Team’s Personal View
Our vegan recipe tester, Mia, swears by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce for depth. “Toasted breadcrumbs on top add crunch,” she notes. If you love experimenting with flavors, take a look at our best authentic birria tacos recipe—a Mexican classic you can easily veganize!
During trials, we found letting the assembled dish rest for 30 minutes before baking helps flavors meld. If you’re a fan of rich, comforting dishes, you might also enjoy our fancy Valentine’s Day recipes for more creative meal ideas.
