Baked Ziti | simple 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.

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and onion, cook the onion for 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook 30 seconds longer.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, or tomato puree, season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil, let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add ziti pasta, and cook halfway through so that it doesn't overcook during the baking in the oven!

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

In a large bowl, mix together half of the tomato sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan, and add the ricotta.

Add the pasta when ready and mix all well.

Place pasta mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish, top with the remainder of the tomato sauce, the mozzarella cheese, and parmesan.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven until heated through and cheese has melted and the top is slightly golden browned.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens