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!

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!

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.

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.

Ingredients:
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
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 egg
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried parsley
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti and lasagna noodles together in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley until smooth.
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.
Top it Off: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
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.
Serve: Let the baked ziti-lasagna hybrid rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

For the FREE Printable Recipe head over to SueseaQPI.com or just click this link here [ Ссылка ]

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