How to Make Healthy Vegetarian Baked Ziti

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.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook ziti pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, parsley, and a pinch of salt until combined.

In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture.

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens