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Healthy baked ziti lasagna on a plate with a sprig of basil on top

Healthy Baked Ziti Lasagna with Ricotta and Cottage Cheese

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  • Author: Susan
  • Total Time: 60 Minutes
  • Yield: 1 Tray 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

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!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 oz ziti (half a box)
  • 6 lasagna sheets (broken into thirds)
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 2 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  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.

Notes

  • 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.
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 Minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Slice
  • Calories: 241
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 291.7 mg
  • Fat: 6.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 56.9 mg

Find it online: https://sueseaqpi.com/healthy-baked-ziti-lasagna/

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