Irresistible Healthy Baked Ziti

A lighter take on a classic comfort dish—packed with flavor, protein, and veggies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A wholesome twist on the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will adore.
• Loaded with nutrient-rich veggies, three types of cheese, and high-protein turkey sausage.
• The secret? A delicious blend of marinara and vodka sauce for an unbeatable flavor!
• Easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for meal prep—feeds a crowd with guaranteed leftovers!
• A cozy, satisfying weeknight meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.

What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• Ziti noodles – The ideal pasta shape for holding onto all that sauce and cheese. Gluten-free options work great too!
• Sauce magic – A mix of marinara and vodka sauce (Rao’s brand recommended) for deep, rich flavors.
• Cottage cheese – A protein-packed, creamy substitute for ricotta—you won’t even notice the swap!
• More cheese – A perfect trio of mozzarella, parmesan, and cottage cheese for ultimate cheesiness.
• Veggies galore – A delicious mix of onion, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Feel free to swap in your favorites!
• Turkey sausage – A leaner, more flavorful alternative to traditional sausage or ground beef.
• Garlic – Freshly chopped or jarred minced garlic adds a rich depth of flavor.
• Seasonings – Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for the perfect spice blend.
• Fresh basil – The ultimate finishing touch for a pop of freshness.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle a little olive oil and brown the turkey sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add onion, zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the veggies are tender, then stir in 1 cup each of marinara and vodka sauce. Let it simmer while you prepare the pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti noodles until al dente according to package directions. Drain and transfer to the prepared casserole dish.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Turn off the heat and stir spinach into the veggie mixture until wilted. Pour this over the pasta in the dish. Add the remaining marinara and vodka sauce, cottage cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Top with shredded mozzarella, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden, crispy top.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and dig in!

This healthy baked ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—comforting, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week!