Description
A wholesome and flavorful Healthy Baked Ziti recipe featuring lean ground turkey sausage, fresh vegetables, and a blend of rich marinara and vodka sauces, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. This dish balances protein, veggies, and comforting pasta for a nutritious yet indulgent family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti noodles
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey sausage
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped into small chunks
- 8 oz petite baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce (divided; Rao’s used)
- 2 cups vodka sauce (divided; Rao’s used)
Greens and Cheeses
- 2–3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti noodles and cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
- Sauté the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess fat if needed. Add chopped onion, zucchini, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season and Combine Sauces: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper into the skillet mixture. Pour in 1 cup marinara sauce and 1 cup vodka sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix Greens and Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta), parmesan cheese, baby spinach leaves, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to blend evenly.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ziti noodles with the meat and vegetable sauce, stirring well. Then add the cheese and spinach mixture, folding everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Top and Bake: Spread the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce and 1 cup vodka sauce evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a fresh aromatic touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey sausage with Italian turkey sausage or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a creamier texture, use ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for no heat.
- Use Rao’s sauces or any good quality store-bought marinara and vodka sauces for best flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish can be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
