This gluten free baked ziti is so flavorful that you might like it even better than the “real thing!” Can be made dairy free too!
Gluten Free Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is one of my all-time favorite dishes — I love it even more than lasagna (which is similar but uses different style noodles).
There’s just something about a dish of baked ziti, hot out of the oven, that is so incredibly satisfying. Truly the ultimate comfort food!
Unfortunately, after I became lactose intolerant (it often happens in early adulthood), AND started eating gluten free (during my first pregnancy), cheesy noodle dishes like this were off the table.
Fast forward a few years when I met the man of my dreams…and he could COOK!
My husband’s specialty is creating gluten and dairy free versions of my favorite splurge recipes, and this gluten ziti is one of his best dishes yet!
So if you’re like me and have a picky tummy, or just want to try a better-for-you version of this comfort food classic, I know you won’t be disappointed!
–Stacey
Gluten Free Baked Ziti Ingredients
For your convenience, I’ve included shop-able ad links to supplies I used to make this recipe; disclosure policy here.
- 1 package gluten free ziti (or penne) pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jar pasta sauce (30 ounces)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (regular or veggie cheese both work)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon golden balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 6 -8 slices mozzarella cheese (regular or veggie cheese both work)
Free printable version of this recipe available at end of post.
Keep reading for cooking tips or click here to jump to printable recipe.
How to Make Gluten Free Baked Ziti
We actually made our baked ziti both gluten free and lactose free. If you’ve ever made traditional baked ziti, the setup and cooking time should be just about the same. (Ours actually cooks a few minutes faster than some other recipes I’ve seen).
Since some veggie cheese and gluten free pastas cook a little differently than the standard version of those ingredients, we slightly modified our baked ziti recipe to take into account those unique properties and to ensure that everything cooks perfectly.
Recipe Notes:
You might have noticed “golden balsamic vinegar” in the ingredients list. If you can’t find this at your local grocer, simply use regular balsamic vinegar in its place (so two TB regular instead of one). However, my husband LOVES golden balsamic because it adds a complex flavor and is slightly lighter than the regular, so he uses it in a lot of his recipes now.
Note: If you can’t find gluten free ziti at your grocer, you can substitute gluten free penne pasta, as it is very similar. You’re also welcome to use real dairy cheese in this recipe, if lactose is not a concern for you.
Grab a free printable copy of our gluten free baked ziti recipe below:
This gluten free baked ziti is so flavorful that you might like it even better than the "real thing!" Can be made dairy free too!
- 1 package gluten free ziti noodles may substitute penne
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 ounces
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce 30 ounces
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese regular or veggie cheese both work
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon golden balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 6 -8 slices mozzarella cheese regular or veggie cheese both work
- Sauté onions and peppers over medium heat with a tablespoon of cooking oil or light coating of cooking spray.
When veggies begin to soften, add Italian sausage and cook until it begins to brown. Add can of tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese, vinegar (may use regular balsamic alone if you don't have golden balsamic available), garlic powder. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, prepare the pasta separately, according to directions on package. Remove from heat about 3 minutes before the packages says (you want pasta to be slightly underdone).
- Drain pasta, then add to a large mixing bowl with the meat sauce. Stir together until pasta is well incorporated in sauce.
- Pour everything into a large baking dish and layer with 6-8 slices of mozzarella cheese. (We used lactose-free veggie cheese).
- Broil for 5-7 minutes until cheese begins to melt. If using veggie cheese, it may not melt as much as regular cheese, but it should soften.
- Remove dish from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
Note: Nutrition information is a rough estimate only; actual values will vary based on the exact ingredients used and amount of recipe prepared.
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More of our favorite gluten free comfort food recipes:
Sweet Potato Crust Pizza with BBQ Chicken
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