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Recipe by:

Dana Ramsey

Delicious Healthy Baked Ziti-Inspired Pasta Bake

This Healthy Baked Ziti-Inspired Pasta Bake is a lighter, comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings, combining wholesome ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Ingredients
  • 12 ounces whole wheat penne or rigatoni
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Preferably Rao's Homemade
  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat-vegetable mixture, and marinara sauce. Gently fold in the ricotta until well distributed.
  6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Experiment with various vegetables and herbs to customize your pasta bake.