Looking for a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Healthy Baked Ziti with Turkey and Veggies recipe! Packed with flavorful ingredients and easy to make, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ground turkey, veggies, and savory sauces creates a mouthwatering taste that will satisfy your cravings.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch of this Baked Ziti and enjoy it throughout the week for a hassle-free meal solution.
Ingredient Notes:
- Pasta: ziti noodles are the perfect choice for this dish, but feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand.
- Meat and Vegetables: ground turkey sausage adds a lean protein source, while onions, zucchini, and mushrooms provide a variety of textures and flavors.
- Seasonings and Sauces: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a combination of marinara and vodka sauces create a rich and satisfying taste.
- Greens and Cheeses: Baby spinach leaves, cottage cheese (or ricotta), parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses add a creamy and cheesy finish to the dish.
- Garnish: Fresh basil adds a pop of freshness to the final presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven and cook the ziti noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey sausage with onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic until browned.
- Add seasonings and sauces to the meat mixture, then stir in spinach and cheeses.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Feel free to add extra veggies or swap out the protein for a different option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use extra veggies or plant-based protein.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
This Healthy Baked Ziti pairs well with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine. It’s also great served with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. - Can I freeze this dish for later?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked Ziti in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this Healthy Baked Ziti with Turkey and Veggies recipe a try. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy!
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Healthy Baked Ziti with Turkey and Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Enjoy a healthier twist on classic baked ziti with this recipe that includes lean ground turkey, plenty of veggies, and a mix of marinara and vodka sauces for extra flavor. Topped with a blend of cheeses and fresh basil, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté meat and vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey sausage, onion, zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic until the turkey is browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Season and sauce: Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, 1 cup marinara sauce, and 1 cup vodka sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Layer the ziti: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti noodles, followed by the meat and veggie mixture, spinach leaves, cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables in this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Feel free to use your favorite combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg