Description
Healthy Baked Ziti is a wholesome twist on a classic Italian favorite, marrying comfort with nutrition. This delightful dish features whole wheat ziti pasta, layered with fresh vegetables and reduced-fat cheeses, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of cheesy goodness and vibrant flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also allows for meal prep—assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to serve. Pair it with a crisp salad or warm garlic bread for an extra touch of indulgence without the guilt.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh spinach
- Bell peppers
- Ricotta cheese (part-skim)
- Low-fat mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the whole wheat ziti in boiling salted water until al dente; drain.
- Sauté chopped bell peppers in olive oil until soft; add spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, sautéed veggies, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the mixture in the baking dish; sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix fresh basil or parsley into the ziti before baking.
- Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
- Use cottage cheese along with ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg