Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further than this Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti! With a blend of lean protein, flavorful marinara sauce, and a lightened-up cheesy topping, this baked ziti delivers all the flavors you love—without the guilt.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz ziti pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free for a healthier twist)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce (look for low-sugar, no added salt if possible)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 egg (to help bind the mixture)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ziti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ziti and the meat sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture over the top and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

5. Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

6. Serve

Let the baked ziti sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 350-380
• WW Points: 7-8 points per serving (depending on specific ingredients)
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 38g
• Protein: 25g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting & Flavorful: Classic baked ziti flavors with a lighter, healthier twist.
2. High in Protein: Lean ground turkey or chicken makes this dish a satisfying, protein-packed option.
3. Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish a breeze to prepare on busy weeknights.
4. Great for Meal Prep: This recipe stores well in the fridge for leftovers and can even be frozen for later use.

Pro Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
• Increase Veggies: Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully. Just microwave individual servings for a quick and easy lunch the next day.

This Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti is a perfect balance of comfort and health. With lean ground turkey, a rich marinara sauce, and a lighter cheesy filling, this dish lets you enjoy your favorite pasta without compromising your goals. It’s simple to make, family-friendly, and will quickly become a staple in your healthy recipe rotation.