Cheesy Italian baked Ziti/Penne Pasta

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 350°F.

Cook the Ziti or Penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until softened.

Add the mixed meat to the skillet and cook until browned.

Stir in the marinara sauce and let it heat up.

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with some salt and mix well.

In a deep casserole dish, layer the cooked pasta, meat mixture, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.

Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens