Baked Pasta Basics - Four Classic Recipes

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and provides a similar texture.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while provolone can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino Romano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Start with marinara sauce and cooked ziti pasta.

Toss the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce.

Add ricotta cheese to the pasta and sauce mixture, breaking it up a bit without cooking it.

Layer some marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.

Rip fresh basil and add it to the mixture.

Toss in some provolone cheese, then layer with mozzarella cheese as desired.

Clean the edges of the baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (204°C).

Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens