Dinner

Healthy Baked Ziti Recipe

BySimon Carel November 6, 2025November 6, 2025

Introduction

Healthy Baked Ziti is a comforting, hearty dish made with whole grain pasta, creamy ricotta, and plenty of flavorful tomato sauce. This lighter version of a classic favorite uses low-fat cheeses and simple seasonings for a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

A white baking dish filled with baked pasta, showing several layers: the bottom layer is red tomato sauce mixed with browned ground meat, followed by a middle layer of rigatoni pasta coated in sauce, topped with a thick, golden-browned layer of melted cheese that covers the pasta. The cheese is stringy and bubbly, with a few green parsley leaves scattered on top for color. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion from the corner, lifting the cheesy pasta layers. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb dry ziti or penne pasta (whole grain or organic)
1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese (drain excess liquid)
1 large egg
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (or grated romano cheese)
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
3 to 4 cups spaghetti sauce (homemade or high-quality jarred sauce)
2 cups shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Bring a 5-6 quart pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes, so it remains slightly firm to prevent mushiness after baking.
Step 3: Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. Transfer the pasta into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan or romano cheese, granulated garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Mix well.
Step 5: Stir the ricotta mixture and 3 cups of spaghetti sauce into the pasta. Add more sauce as needed to ensure the pasta is well coated.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 55 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked ground turkey into the pasta mixture before baking.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta depending on dietary preferences.
Swap part-skim mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer taste.
Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked pasta that has two visible layers: the bottom layer is thick pasta tubes mixed with red tomato sauce, showing slightly around the edges; the top layer is creamy melted white cheese evenly spread, covering the pasta beneath and lightly browned in some spots. The dish sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Healthy Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it the next day following the instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese (preferably small curd and drained) or use a blend of cream cheese and cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.