Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6-8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Quick Answer
This Healthy Baked Ziti-Inspired Pasta Bake is a lighter, comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings, combining wholesome ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
As the crisp, golden hues of autumn sweep through New York City, I find myself longing for the comfort of hearty baked dishes that warm not just the body but the soul. With Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings right around the corner, I've been experimenting with lighter versions of traditional comfort foods. One standout has been this delightful Healthy Baked Ziti-Inspired Pasta Bake, which is a perfect blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. It's everything you want in a cozy dish, minus the heaviness, making it ideal for festive feasts without the post-meal slump.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balanced flavors that make it a delightful comfort food without the heaviness.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat pasta, lean protein, and fresh vegetables.
- Flexible recipe that allows you to experiment with different veggies and seasonings.
- Great for meal prep-make it ahead of time for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Freezes well, allowing you to enjoy this hearty dish whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients
To create this delicious dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
Pasta
- 12 ounces of whole wheat penne or rigatoni
Ground Meat
- 1 pound of lean ground turkey or chicken
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 10 ounces of fresh spinach
Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups of marinara sauce (I love the taste of Rao's Homemade)
Cheese
- 1 cup of part-skim ricotta
- 1 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons for sautéing
How to Make Healthy Baked Ziti-Inspired Pasta Bake (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your own Healthy Baked Ziti-Inspired Pasta Bake.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). The comforting scents of freshly baking pasta are about to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it's worth it!
Step 2: Cook Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the bell pepper and zucchini, cooking until they soften, approximately another 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Brown the Meat
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, add the ground turkey or chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the fresh spinach and mix until wilted, adding the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper during the last minute.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the meat-vegetable mixture, and the marinara sauce. Gently fold in the ricotta until well distributed.
Step 6: Layer the Bake
Pour the entire mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top it with mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. I love to pull it out when the cheese has a perfect, gooey pull. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Aim for al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Skipping the Sauté: Don't skip sautéing the vegetables and meat separately, as this helps develop deeper flavors.
- Not Resting Before Serving: Allowing the bake to rest helps the layers settle, making it easier to serve.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for added depth.
- Feel free to swap in low-carb pasta if you're trying to reduce carbs further.
- This dish can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you're ready to bake-perfect for busy holiday weeks!
Variations
- Use ground beef or pork instead of turkey or chicken.
- Try a variety of cheeses such as feta or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate different herbs like thyme or rosemary for unique tastes.
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a comforting dinner experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish but don't bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Storage: Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven until heated through, adding a splash of sauce or water to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While refining this recipe, I discovered how essential fresh herbs are in elevating simple dishes. A little sprinkle of oregano or basil brings not just flavor but also the essence of home-cooked comfort. Embracing healthier alternatives doesn't mean sacrificing taste-it opens up a world of delicious possibilities!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 servings · Serving Size: 1 piece
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 45g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Healthy Baked Ziti-Inspired Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add bell pepper and zucchini, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side and add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in spinach until wilted, and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat-vegetable mixture, and marinara sauce. Gently fold in the ricotta until well distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat penne or rigatoni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as gluten-free or lower-carb options.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat and add more vegetables or use plant-based meat alternatives to keep it hearty and satisfying.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it, making it perfect for busy holiday weeks!
5. What can I serve with the Healthy Baked Ziti-Inspired Pasta Bake?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
