How to Make Healthy Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is an Italian favorite that most everyone enjoys. Who wouldn't love rich pasta baked with cheese until golden brown? Though baked ziti is traditionally high in fat and carbohydrates, for those on a diet, there is no need to sacrifice a love for the dish altogether. Learn how to whip up a healthy baked ziti so you can still enjoy this classic.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Whole wheat or multigrain ziti
• Large can crushed tomatoes
• Small can tomato paste
• Sprigs of basil
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 16 oz. container of low-fat ricotta cheese
• 8 oz. bag of part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Large pot
• Water
• Casserole baking dish

1. Fill your large pot halfway with water. Boil until the water is bubbly and gently drop the whole wheat or multigrain pasta into the water. Barilla Plus is a great alternative to white pasta and there are plenty of fresh whole wheat pasta available as well.
2. Stir the pasta water to keep it from sticking to the bottom. At this point, set your oven at 375 degrees F and open up your cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
3. Drain your ziti carefully once it is al dente, but leave 1 or 2 tbs. of pasta water in the pot. Gently pour your crushed tomatoes and paste into the pasta water and stir together.
4. Break off a few basil leaves and add to the sauce mixture. At this point, you can sprinkle in some garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove your ziti from the colander and add gently to the sauce mixture. Stir together so as not to break the ziti. Open your container of low-fat ricotta cheese and add the entire contents to the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir in well.
6. Gently add your ziti and sauce mixture to a nonstick casserole baking dish. Distribute the ziti so the entire baking dish is evenly full. Open a bag of low-fat, part-skim mozzarella cheese and sprinkle evenly over the top of the whole dish.
7. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how crunchy you like your dish. If you want your dish to be extra crispy, leave uncovered. But, if you prefer it softer, cover with tinfoil. Remove and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Add low-fat Parmesan cheese to your ziti mixture for an added kick.
• You can substitute mozzarella cheese with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.
• Add low-fat ground turkey or beef if you want to make a complete meal.