Turkey Baked Ziti

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with this Easy Baked Ziti recipe. It's a family favorite that combines the heartiness of ground turkey and the rich flavors of cheese and marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner night, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

🦃 1 pound ground turkey
🧄 2 cloves minced garlic
🧄 1 clove chopped garlic
🧅 1 medium onion, diced
🌿 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
🧅 1 teaspoon minced onion
🧂 1 teaspoon adobo (optional)
🧂 1 teaspoon sea salt
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
🧀 1 cup ricotta cheese
🥚 1 egg (optional)
🌿 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic paste (optional)
🧀 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
🧀 1 cup Italian cheese blend
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🍅 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
🍝 1 pound ziti pasta

Instructions

1- Prep the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2- Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
Drain and set aside.

3- Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add minced and chopped garlic, and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, minced onion, adobo, sea salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

4- Mix the Cheese Filling:

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, optional egg, chopped basil, and optional garlic paste.
Mix until smooth.

5- Assemble the Ziti:

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti pasta.
Layer with half of the meat sauce and then half of the ricotta mixture.
Sprinkle with half of the Italian cheese blend and mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.
Top with the remaining Italian cheese blend, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

6- Bake:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

7- Serve:

Once baked, let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 600 calories per serving
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates per serving: Roughly 35g protein, 25g fat, 60g carbohydrates
Equipment: Large pot, large skillet, 9x13 inch baking dish, aluminum foil