Vegan Baked Ziti

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375u00b0F.

2. 2

   Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

3. 3

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the ziti to the water. Cook for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. While the pasta cooks, prepare the tofu ricotta.

4. 4

   Place the tofu, olive oil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process on high power for 2-3 minutes, until very smooth. Adjust olive oil and seasonings to desired consistency and taste.

5. 5

   Return the drained ziti to the large pot. Add 3 cups marinara sauce and stir to thoroughly coat the pasta.

6. 6

   Transfer about 1/3 of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Drop half the tofu ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over the ziti, and gently spread it into an even layer. Repeat with another 1/3 of the ziti and the remaining tofu ricotta. Top with the last 1/3 of ziti. Spoon 1 cup marinara sauce and over the top of the dish. Sprinkle top of dish with vegan Parmesan, if desired.

7. 7

   Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.

8. 8

   Bake the ziti for 40 minutes on the middle rack of oven.

9. 9

   Remove the aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes longer, until the dish is heated through.

10. 10

    Check to see that ziti is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

11. 11

    Remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the spaghetti to rest for 20 minutes before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.