Cooking Light Baked Ziti
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this healthier spin on a classic Italian-American favorite with Cooking Light Baked Ziti. Crafted with al dente ziti pasta, lean ground turkey, and a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, this casserole delivers all the heartiness you love with a lighter twist. Layers of part-skim ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese create a creamy, cheesy goodness that’s perfectly balanced. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes and baked to bubbly perfection in under 40, this recipe is an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option. Top it off with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor, and enjoy a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for those seeking a healthy baked ziti that'll please even the pickiest eaters!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the part-skim ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the cooked pasta to the mixing bowl with the cheese mixture. Stir to evenly coat the pasta.
Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the turkey tomato sauce over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
486 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.3 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 813 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 41.8 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 519 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 807 mg | 17% | |
*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.
