Healthy Rigatoni Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food makeover with this Healthy Rigatoni Bake—a wholesome and satisfying dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor! Packed with tender whole-grain rigatoni, lean ground turkey, and a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, this recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious. A luscious combination of low-sodium marinara, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan creates a delightfully cheesy, baked pasta casserole that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Ready in just under an hour and brimming with Italian-inspired flavors, this rigatoni bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that proves healthy eating can still feel indulgent. Perfect served fresh out of the oven and garnished with fragrant basil, it's a heartwarming meal the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole-grain rigatoni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 3 cups low-sodium marinara sauce
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then fold in the baby spinach until wilted. Remove from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni and turkey-vegetable marinara mixture. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta.

Step 8

Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the layer, then sprinkle with 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9

Top with the remaining pasta mixture, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your Healthy Rigatoni Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2558.2 grams (2558.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3594

Total Fat 143.60g	184%
Saturated Fat 54.20g	271%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 554mg	185%
Sodium 5277mg	229%
Total Carbohydrate 370.70g	135%
Dietary Fiber 42.40g	151%
Total Sugars 66.70g
Protein 235.90g	472%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2738mg	211%
Iron 31mg	171%
Potassium 5565mg	118%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.8%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 39.9%