Tofu Baked Ziti
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this vegan twist on a classic Italian-American favorite: Tofu Baked Ziti. This hearty, plant-based pasta bake combines al dente ziti with a savory, protein-packed tofu marinara sauce spiced with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. Creamy vegan mozzarella melts beautifully between the layers, while a sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a boost of cheesy flavor. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this dish is an irresistible main course that’s easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Garnish with fresh basil for an added touch of brightness—delicious and dairy-free!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1.5 cups vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Crumble it into small pieces using your hands or a fork.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the crumbled tofu, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the tofu to brown slightly.
Add the marinara sauce and nutritional yeast to the skillet and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the tofu marinara mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle half of the vegan mozzarella cheese over the pasta layer.
Layer the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese, then top with the remaining vegan mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
350 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.4 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 495 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.2 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 16.8 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 274 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 190 mg | 4% | |
*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.
