Adding artichokes and spinach makes a classic baked ziti heartier and healthier. With just ten ingredients plus a bit of cooking spray, you can serve a cheesy, protein‑rich pasta dinner the whole family will love.
Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 1 hour
Baked Ziti Casserier
Ingredients
- 4 oz (115 g) whole‑grain ziti or penne (about 1 ¼ cups)
- Cooking spray
- 1 lb (453 g) ground turkey breast
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) no‑salt‑added marinara sauce
- 1 package (12 oz) frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- 5 oz (140 g) fresh baby spinach (about 4½ cups)
- 1 cup shredded part‑skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Boil the pasta for 8 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, spray a non‑stick skillet and heat over medium. Add the turkey, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the turkey is browned.
4. Stir in the marinara, chopped artichokes, and salt. Heat for 1–2 minutes, then add the spinach. Toss until the leaves wilt.
5. Mix the turkey sauce with the cooked pasta.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 13 × 9‑inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
7. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.
8. Let it rest 5 minutes, then scatter fresh basil before serving.
Serves: 6 (about 1½ cups per serving)
Nutrition (per serving): 331 kcal, 9 g fat, 30 g carbs, 35 g protein, 6 g fiber, 443 mg sodium.
Nutrition Boost: 991 mg potassium, 15 % iron, 6 % vitamin A, 12 % vitamin C, 20 % calcium.