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Healthy Baked Ziti with Kale & Mushrooms Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 84 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/healthy-baked-ziti-with-kale-and-mushrooms-recipe/