Deliciously Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey
Indulge in this flavorful Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey, a perfect harmony of ziti pasta, lean turkey, and a blend of cheeses that makes for a hearty meal. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and can be easily tailored to your taste. Ideal for family meals or gatherings, this comforting classic is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
233
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 lb (Cooked according to package instructions)
Ground turkey
1 lb (Browned and drained)
Ricotta cheese
15 ounces (Softened)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Egg
1 (Slightly beaten)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Pasta sauce
29 ounces (Divided)
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and remove from the heat.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground turkey with ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and half of the pasta sauce. Mix until well combined.
5
Gently fold in the cooked ziti pasta, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
6
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the entire dish, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deliciously Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey?
It is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish made with ziti, lean ground turkey, and a blend of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses.
Can I substitute the ground turkey with another meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey with ground beef, ground chicken, or Italian sausage depending on your preference.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How long does it take to bake?
The dish should bake uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What size baking dish is required?
A standard 13x9-inch greased baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How do I cook the ziti pasta?
Cook the ziti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Why is there an egg in the cheese mixture?
The beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the ricotta and parmesan cheese mixture stay together and coat the pasta evenly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified, a typical 13x9-inch baked ziti recipe usually serves 8 to 10 people.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 233 calories, 7.5g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap; it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this meal?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or warm garlic bread.
Is this recipe healthy?
This recipe is considered a healthier alternative to traditional baked ziti because it uses lean ground turkey instead of beef.
What does al dente mean?
Al dente refers to pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite, which is ideal since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta, though the texture will be slightly different.
What type of pasta sauce should I use?
You can use any 29-ounce jar of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the recipe instructions specify baking the dish uncovered to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley as a substitute for the 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensuring you use the full 29 ounces of sauce and not overbaking the dish will help keep the pasta moist.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are excellent additions to the meat and sauce mixture.
What is the role of parmesan cheese in this recipe?
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the ricotta mixture that binds the pasta.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free, but you can easily make it so by using a certified gluten-free ziti pasta.
Can I use ground chicken?
Yes, ground chicken is a great lean protein alternative that works well in this recipe.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in two 13x9-inch dishes.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
What kind of mozzarella cheese is best?
A low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella is ideal for achieving a bubbly, melted topping.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the turkey?
Yes, draining excess fat after browning the ground turkey prevents the dish from becoming greasy.
How do I know the turkey is fully cooked?
The turkey is done when it is browned all the way through and there is no pink color remaining.
Can I use other pasta shapes like penne?
Yes, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes for ziti as they hold the sauce and cheese similarly.