Healthy Baked Ziti Lasagna with Ricotta and Cottage Cheese

Do you love classic Italian recipes that bring the whole family together over a hearty, cheesy pasta dish?

If so, this Healthy Baked Ziti Lasagna with Ricotta and Cottage Cheese is the great recipe you’ve been looking for!

Baked Ziti Lasagna

 This easy baked ziti recipe combines the creamy goodness of a ricotta mixture, gooey cheese layers, and al dente ziti noodles, all baked to perfection in a casserole dish.

It’s an easy way to enjoy a complete meal packed with flavor from Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and minced garlic. 

With layers of pasta, a savory meat sauce, and plenty of shredded cheese—including mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh mozzarella—this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Serve it with a side of garlic bread and fresh basil, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to leave you with plenty of leftovers for the next day.

Whether it’s your first time making a pasta bake or you’re looking for the best baked ziti lasagna for an easy weeknight dinner, this healthy baked ziti lasagna recipe is a great way to enjoy a lighter take on a classic favorite.

Save less time for cleanup and more time for savoring this cheesy, comforting baked pasta dish. Try it next time you’re craving something hearty yet healthy!

Make sure try some of my other popular healthy Weight Watcher recipes.  Low Calorie Wendy's Frosty, 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Muffins , Mini DASH Chaffles, Air Fryer Beignets and The WW Zero Point Apple Crisp Chips.

Why make this recipe?

You don't want to miss out on this healthy hearty pasta dish!

Weight Watcher Friendly - This healthy baked ziti lasagna dish is only 8 WW points per serving when you slice your casserole into 12 squares.

Since the new Weight Watchers plan is personalized you will have to input the ingredients used into your WW app to get your exact WW points.

Easy to Make - Preparing this healthy pasta recipe requires only a handful of simple ingredients and less than 50 minutes of bake time.

Ingredients needed and substitutions:

Pasta - Barilla Ziti and Lasagna Sheets were used for this pasta hybrid recipe. You can use Penne or even Rigatoni.

Chicken - We used ground chicken chop meat for baked ziti lasagna hybrid recipe.

If you don't like chicken here is a list of some other healthy options to swap with:

Ground Turkey – Lean ground turkey is a mild-flavored option that works perfectly in a baked ziti lasagna. Choose ground turkey breast for the leanest choice.

Lean Ground Beef – Opt for 90-95% lean ground beef for a richer flavor while keeping it relatively healthy.

Plant-Based Ground Meat – Meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger are great for a plant-based baked ziti lasagna with a similar texture.

Ground Pork or Veal – Use lean ground pork or veal to create a lighter, slightly sweeter twist on classic baked ziti lasagna.

Lentils – Cooked green or brown lentils provide a hearty, protein-packed alternative for a vegetarian baked ziti lasagna.

Chopped Mushrooms – Finely chopped mushrooms (like cremini or portobello) mimic the texture of meat and add an earthy flavor.

Ground Sausage – Use lean chicken or turkey sausage for a more robust and spiced filling. Remove the casing if using links.

How to Make Homemade Baked Ziti Lasagna

1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.

2: Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti and lasagna noodles together in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3: Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.

4: Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley until smooth.

5: Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half the cooked pasta (a mix of ziti and lasagna pieces) over the sauce. Spread half the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by another layer of sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.

6: Top it Off: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

7: Bake: Cover the dish with foil (lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8: Serve: Let the baked ziti-lasagna hybrid rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

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Watch the How to Make Baked Ziti Lasagna Recipe Video Here...

Expert Tips

• Preparation Tips
• Season the Chicken Well: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of paprika to your chicken chop meat while browning for depth of flavor.
• Use a Combination of Sauces: Mix crushed tomatoes and marinara for a balance of tanginess and sweetness in the sauce.
• Layer Properly: For even cooking, ensure a consistent layer of pasta, cheese, and sauce. Avoid clumping noodles together.
• Partially Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti and lasagna sheets just until slightly undercooked (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions) to prevent mushiness after baking.
• Don’t Skip the Egg in the Cheese Mixture: It helps bind the cheese layers and prevents them from becoming runny.
• Balance Moisture: If using cottage cheese, drain it slightly to avoid excess liquid in your dish.
• Try Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley to the cheese mixture for added brightness.
• Assembly Tips
• Break Lasagna Noodles Carefully: Break lasagna sheets into even thirds to create manageable layers that match the ziti size.
• Spread Ingredients Evenly: Avoid dumping everything into the dish; layer carefully to ensure every bite has a mix of textures and flavors.
• Top with Extra Sauce: Before baking, add a thin layer of sauce on top to keep the pasta from drying out.
• Baking Tips
• Use Foil Strategically: Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to lock in moisture, then remove it to brown the cheese.
• Bake on a Tray: Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills and make cleanup easier.
• Check for Bubbling: The dish is ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese is golden.
• Serving Tips
• Let It Rest: Allow the baked ziti-lasagna to sit for at least 10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier and prevent layers from sliding apart.
• Serve with Sides: Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle fresh Parmesan or chopped parsley on top before serving for a professional touch.
• Storage Tips
• Cool Completely: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation and soggy pasta.
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Label and Date for Freezing: If freezing, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Label with the date and consume within 3 months.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). If microwaving, add a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture.

Are you a Weight Watcher?

If you follow my Blog you probably already know I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I like to point all of my Recipes with the WW Points System.

This Weight Watchers friendly Baked Ziti Lasagna recipe is only 8 Points on my Weight Watchers points app for one cheese slice.

Weight Watchers has a new individualized program right now to make it easier to enjoy the foods you love and still lose weight.

Just plug the ingredients into your WW app to confirm the points for your individual program.

If you want to see the old Purple, Blue and Green WW Food Lists for each plan just click Here… For a list of the 2025 Free WW Food list click here..

Make sure you check out my Newbie WW Tips and Tricks Guide if you are just getting started.

I used to go back and forth between the Purple Plan and the Blue Plan prior to the new program and whenever I hit a plateau I did my own 30 Day Low Carb Meal Plan which jumpstarts the Fat Burning again, so if you feel stuck try it!

If you are impatient like me... blog visitors can get instant access to the digital download version today for only $8.97 just click here...

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