LIGHTER BAKED ZITI
Lighter Baked Ziti is a wholesome twist on the classic Italian-American comfort dish, featuring whole wheat pasta, marinara sauce and a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheese. This healthier version retains all the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional baked ziti while reducing fat and adding extra fibre from whole wheat penne. Italian seasoning enhances the depth of flavour, making each bite a perfect balance of savoury, cheesy and satisfying. This dish is ideal for a quick, hearty meal without the guilt. This lighter-baked ziti is a fantastic option, whether you’re meal prepping, feeding the family or craving a comforting pasta dish. This dish is served with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. It’s an easy, delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a beloved classic while maintaining a healthy diet.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Boil, Bake
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Weeknight Meal, Family Dinner, Comfort Food, Date Night
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Low Fat, High Fibre, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Pasta, Casserole/Gratin
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Lighter Baked Ziti:
- ½ cup whole wheat penne
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp ricotta cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 15g
- Fats: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fibre: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
PREPARATION
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Mix with Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat evenly.
- Layer the Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Top with the remaining pasta and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Ziti: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
20 minutes
TIPS
Here are some tips for the preparation of Lighter Baked Ziti:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta prevents it from becoming too soft after baking.
- Use Quality Marinara: Opt for a low-sugar, high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavour.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, turkey or plant-based protein for an extra protein boost.
- Make It Extra Creamy: Mix a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt into the ricotta for a silkier texture.
- Create a Crispy Top: For a golden crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
VARIATIONS
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta in place of whole wheat penne.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap ricotta and mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Pesto Ziti: Mix in a tablespoon of basil pesto for an aromatic twist.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked ziti in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the ziti ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for a fresh and delicious meal.