Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey offers the best of both worlds—it’s indulgent and comforting but also lighter than traditional versions made with beef. This recipe is a great way to incorporate lean protein into a family favorite, and it’s easy to make. The ground turkey blends perfectly with the marinara sauce, giving the dish depth of flavor without the extra fat. Plus, the cheesy, gooey topping is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a versatile dish that works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezing for later.

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb ground turkey
1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the meat sauce. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground turkey with a plant-based protein or extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Cheese Variations: Use a blend of cheeses, such as provolone or gouda, for a different flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then cover with foil and freeze.
Reheating: To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes if refrigerated, or 30-40 minutes if frozen, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can use ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the baked ziti the night before and refrigerate it. Then, bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce would work wonderfully in this recipe for an extra touch of flavor.

How can I make the dish even creamier?

For a creamier texture, you can add a little heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce before mixing it with the pasta.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Baked ziti with pasta is not suitable for a strict low-carb diet. However, you could substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta alternative.

How do I know when the ziti is done?

The baked ziti is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese can be used, though freshly shredded cheese often melts better and has a smoother texture.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for family meals, potlucks, or prepping ahead. The combination of tender pasta, savory turkey, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying and comforting meal everyone will love. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can make it your own with various variations. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding your family, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey

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Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey is a lighter take on a classic comfort food. This hearty, flavorful dish features ziti pasta, lean ground turkey, marinara sauce, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later. Easy to make, it’s a crowd-pleaser that packs flavor without the extra fat. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this healthy, cheesy baked ziti is sure to become a favorite.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 55min
Yield: 8servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the meat sauce. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Use a blend of cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to make the dish more hearty and nutritious.
You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, reheating when ready to serv