The BEST Baked Ziti Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
14 servings
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Calories
264 kcal
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Course
Main Course
The BEST Baked Ziti Recipe
Description
The BEST Baked Ziti Recipe brings together ziti pasta cooked until just tender with sautéed zucchini and cauliflower that have a slight browning for added flavor. The addition of lean turkey meatballs and a meat-flavored pasta sauce provides a hearty base combining protein with vegetables and pasta.
The cooked ingredients are mixed with cottage cheese, which contributes a creamy texture without overwhelming the other flavors. Mozzarella cheese on top melts and browns under baking, adding a gooey finish. Baking covered allows the flavors to meld as the dish gently cooks through.
This baked ziti is a substantial one-dish meal that fits well into family dinners or meal prep. It pairs well with simple sides like salad or crusty bread if desired. Immediate serving after baking is recommended to enjoy the melted cheese and tender vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ziti pasta uncooked
- 1 lb zucchini
- 1/2 lb cauliflower
- 24 oz meat pasta sauce Prego® brand
- 1 lb meatballs lean turkey is the best
- 16 oz cottage cheese small curd
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredietns for the recipe. Cook pasta for about 8 minutes, you don't want to overcook it.
- Preheat an oiled skillet on high heat. Add zucchini slices to the skillet and cook it until the zucchini is golden brown on both sides. Remove zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
- To the preheated skillet add cauliflower pieces. Brown on all sides, remove from the skillet and set aside.
- To a baking dish add cooked ziti, meatballs, zucchini and cauliflower. Pour Prego® Flavored with Meat Pasta Sauce over the ingredients.
- Stir to incorporate Prego® Meat Pasta Sauce into the ziti bake.
- To the ingredients add in cottage cheese and stir to combine everything together.
- Top it off with mozzarella and cover the baking dish with foil. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes of cooking time. Serve right away.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 14servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 264 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 264kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 500mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 469mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 429IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 131mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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