Cream Cheese Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole

Introduction

Discover the ultimate comfort food: Cream Cheese Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole. This crowd-pleasing classic gets a flavor upgrade from velvety cream cheese that melts into the sauce, making every bite irresistibly creamy and rich. By pairing wholesome vegetables and al dente pasta with an indulgently smooth cheese layer, you’ll create a casserole so satisfying, everyone (even meat lovers!) will be asking for seconds.

This ziti is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, potlucks, or cozy gatherings. Simple to assemble, yet utterly delicious, it’s sure to become a new staple on your table.

Why This Vegetarian Baked Ziti is Unforgettable

Instead of relying on just mozzarella and ricotta, this recipe’s use of cream cheese creates a luscious, tangy layer that elevates the entire dish. Roasted vegetables bring depth and color, while a robust tomato sauce ties everything together into a hearty, one-pan meal. The flavors meld together as it bakes, offering a casserole that’s comforting but far from ordinary.

Chopping Vegetables for Maximum Flavor and Texture

For a ziti that bursts with flavor, use a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. Uniformly dicing your veggies ensures even roasting and a balanced bite in every forkful. Speed up prep and get perfectly chopped veggies with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, making the chopping process safer and more efficient.

The Creamiest Cream Cheese Filling

The soul of this casserole is the irresistibly creamy cheese filling. Beat softened cream cheese with a handful of shredded mozzarella and ricotta until smooth. You can blend this mixture quickly and evenly using a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, saving time and ensuring a perfectly silky texture that stretches across the whole dish.

Assembly and Baking Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Assembling baked ziti is a breeze when you line your baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This step ensures mess-free serving and easy cleanup after. Start with a layer of sauce, followed by pasta and veggies, and dollops of the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat the layers and finish with extra mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust.

To sauté your veggies before baking, use a high-quality pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for quick, even cooking and minimal sticking.

Serving and Storing Cream Cheese Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole

Serve this casserole piping hot, straight from the oven, with a simple green salad or crusty bread. Leftovers keep well in the fridge and reheat beautifully, making it a meal prep favorite. Store in airtight containers such as Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to lock in freshness for days.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 to 8 generous portions. Each serving delivers around 380–430 calories, mostly from wholesome vegetables and cheese. It’s a well-balanced vegetarian option that’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Recap: Cream Cheese Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole

Cream Cheese Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole is cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor–a true centerpiece for your next family dinner or potluck. The creamy filling and roasted veggies guarantee a dish that pleases vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13″ casserole dish with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for fuss-free cleanup and serving.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until just al dente; drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms; sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, and 1 cup mozzarella. For silky smooth filling, blend together in the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender until creamy.
5. To assemble: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your lined casserole dish. Add half the cooked ziti, followed by half of the sautéed veggies. Dollop and gently spread half the cheese mixture on top. Add half of the remaining marinara sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with the rest of the mozzarella.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour