Cooking Light’s Baked Ziti Casserole

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 13

Cooking Light's Baked Ziti Casserole for a Healthy Dinner

by The Chefin Dinner

Prep

15 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	6 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
	2 cups basic marinara sauce
	1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese , divided
	1/4 cup shredded asiago cheese , divided
	1/8 teaspoon salt
	1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ( such as Tabasco )
	6 ounces ground turkey breast
	cooking spray

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

369

Sugar

Fat

11g

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is typically loaded with fat and calories from beef and cheese. This healthier version of Baked Ziti Casserole uses lean ground turkey breast, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and whole grain pasta for a delicious and nutritious meal. The marinara sauce is made from scratch, ensuring that no unnecessary ingredients or preservatives are used in the recipe. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, and it can be easily customized by adding in different vegetables or using a different type of pasta.

Instructions

1.	Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.	Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
3.	While pasta is cooking, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the pan with cooking spray.
4.	Add turkey to pan, and cook for 5 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble.
5.	Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and hot pepper sauce; bring to a boil.
6.	Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7.	Add cooked pasta, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons Asiago cheese to turkey mixture, and stir well.
8.	Spoon pasta mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
9.	Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons Asiago cheese.
10.	Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and browned.

PROS

This Baked Ziti Casserole is high in protein and fiber, and made with lean turkey breast instead of traditional beef, making it a healthier alternative to classic baked ziti.

The recipe uses part-skim mozzarella cheese for a lower fat option without sacrificing flavor.

CONS

This recipe contains pasta, which is a high-carbohydrate ingredient.

While this baked ziti casserole is a healthier option, it should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This Baked Ziti Casserole is a great source of protein and fiber.
Turkey breast is a lean protein that can help with weight management and muscle growth, while fiber helps to improve digestion and heart health. Additionally, the marinara sauce contains lycopene from tomatoes, which is an antioxidant that can help protect against cancer and heart disease.