Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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.

Heat oven to 375°F and spray an 11x9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to package (al dente/no salt) directions, drain.

In the same large saucepan set over medium heat, cook the marinara sauce and cream cheese together until the cheese melts. Stir often.

Add the pasta to the marinara/cheese sauce and mix well.

Pour half the marinara/cheese/ziti sauce in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheeses.

Sprinkle the cheeses with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.

Layer the remaining marinara/cheese/ziti sauce over the cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes.

Remove the cover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the baked ziti is bubbly and cheese is golden.

Garnish with the remaining chopped basil and serve with toasted baguette.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens