Heart-Healthy Baked Ziti

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this **Heart-Healthy Baked Ziti**, a wholesome spin on the classic comfort dish! This recipe swaps traditional pasta for **whole grain ziti**, pairs it with a medley of nutrient-packed vegetables—think spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers—and incorporates heart-friendly **olive oil** and low-sodium crushed tomatoes for a rich, flavorful sauce. Layers of **part-skim ricotta, reduced-fat mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan** create the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy without compromising on nutrition. Bursting with Italian-inspired herbs like oregano and basil, this dish delivers bold flavors while supporting a heart-conscious lifestyle. Ready in just under an hour and perfect for serving a crowd, this baked ziti is as satisfying as it is nutritious. Garnish with fresh basil for an elegant touch and enjoy a comforting meal that’s both **healthy and delicious**!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole grain ziti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the whole grain ziti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking until they start to soften, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the tomato vegetable sauce.

Step 9

In a baking dish (9x13 inch), spread half of the ziti mixture. Top with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese.

Step 10

Add the remaining ziti mixture over the ricotta. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 11

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the foil and sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let it set for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 14

Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2226.8 grams (2226.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2731

Total Fat 98.10g	126%
Saturated Fat 44.30g	222%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 230mg	77%
Sodium 3806mg	165%
Total Carbohydrate 348.50g	127%
Dietary Fiber 48.20g	172%
Total Sugars 58.10g
Protein 149.60g	299%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2718mg	209%
Iron 26mg	142%
Potassium 4336mg	92%

*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: 30.7%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 48.5%