Easy Baked Ziti Lasagna with Ricotta and Cottage Cheese | Healthy Pasta Bake Recipe for the Holidays

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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.

Boil ziti and lasagna noodles together in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.

In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley until smooth.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half the cooked pasta over the sauce. Spread half the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by another layer of sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the baked ziti-lasagna hybrid rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens