Healthy Baked Ziti with Kale & Mushrooms Recipe
Introduction
This healthy baked ziti with kale and mushrooms is a quick and easy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with vegetables and protein-rich cottage cheese, it’s a wholesome meal the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat penne noodles
- 1 lb Italian seasoned ground turkey
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3.8 oz jar of sliced olives, drained
- ¼ cup basil, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne noodles and cook until softened but still firm, about 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, brown the Italian seasoned ground turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then add the turkey to the bowl with the pasta.
- Step 4: Add sliced mushrooms and chopped kale to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add this vegetable mixture to the bowl with the pasta and turkey.
- Step 5: Add the marinara sauce, cottage cheese, sliced olives, chopped basil, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella to the pasta mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 6: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder when sautéing the vegetables.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
- Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- To increase the vegetable content, add chopped spinach or zucchini along with the kale and mushrooms.
Storage
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
For freezer storage, prepare the dish through step 5, then cool completely. Cover tightly, label, date, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or bake from frozen for 90-120 minutes until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat penne with regular penne or any other pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This baked ziti freezes very well. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cool, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
PrintHealthy Baked Ziti with Kale & Mushrooms Recipe
This Healthy Baked Ziti with Kale & Mushrooms is a quick and easy freezer-friendly pasta dish loaded with vegetables and protein. Using whole wheat penne, lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich kale, mushrooms, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, this baked ziti offers a wholesome take on a classic comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead freezer meals that your whole family will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Pasta and Proteins
- 8 oz whole wheat penne noodles
- 1 lb Italian seasoned ground turkey
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Vegetables
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cup kale, chopped
- ¼ cup basil, chopped
- 3.8 oz jar sliced olives, drained
Sauces and Cheese
- 24 oz marinara/spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne noodles and cook until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Cook Turkey: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the Italian seasoned ground turkey until fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat and add the turkey to the bowl with the pasta.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped kale. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and wilted. Then add these cooked vegetables to the pasta and turkey mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the marinara sauce, sliced olives, chopped basil, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the large bowl with pasta, turkey, and veggies. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
- Make Ahead Freezer Meal Option: Follow all steps through assembling the baking dish, then let cool completely. Cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until heated through, or bake from frozen for 90-120 minutes until hot.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a boost of fiber and nutrients.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and add extra mushrooms or other vegetables.
- This dish freezes well and is perfect for batch cooking and meal prepping.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the turkey to keep the dish lean.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce salt intake if desired.
Keywords: healthy baked ziti, kale recipes, mushroom pasta bake, freezer-friendly meals, whole wheat pasta, ground turkey recipes, easy baked pasta, meal prep dinner
