Description
A hearty, pork-free Italian-American baked pasta dish with cream cheese, smoky meat substitute, and tangy non-alcoholic tomato sauce. Layers of al dente ziti, a ricotta blend, and golden top offer indulgent flavor without heaviness, making it perfect for families or gatherings.
Ingredients
Ziti pasta, oven-safe
2 cups (450g) Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups grated high-moisture mozzarella
1 cup (90g) Farm cheese, shredded
2 cups Pork-free sleeve meat (textured soy or smoked turkey)
36 oz (2 1/2 cans) Canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup Freshly squeezed grape juice
2 tbsp Extra virginia olive oil
1 large Whole egg
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Boil salted water (16 oz dry ziti) until al dente, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water
Drain ziti and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent clumping
In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil
Transfer mixture to ziti until fully coated, set aside
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil, sauté garlic and onion until translucent, add pork-free sleeve meat and smoked paprika
Stir in crushed tomatoes, grape juice, and salt to taste
Simmer sauce for 15 minutes
day, for assemble: spread 1/2 the sauce in a greased 9×13″ pan
Add ziti mixture, top with remaining sauce
Sprinkle mozzarella and Farm cheese layers
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling
Let rest 10 minutes before serving
Notes
Make ahead: Prepare 1 day in advance, refrigerate until ready to bake
Customize: Add spinach or mushrooms for extra umami
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerated for 3-4 days
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg