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- 12 oz whole wheat ziti pasta - 1 lb lean ground turkey - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 jar (24 oz) low-sugar marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tsp Italian seasoning - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for sautéing

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey and Spinach

Discover a healthier twist on a classic favorite with this Zesty Baked Ziti featuring turkey and spinach. Bursting with flavor, this dish substitutes traditional ingredients for nutritious options like whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and fresh spinach, making it perfect for health-conscious eaters. With layers of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, it's a comforting meal that satisfies cravings without sacrificing health. Try it for your next family dinner!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound whole wheat ziti pasta

1 pound ground turkey

3 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

28 ounces marinara sauce (preferably homemade or low-sugar)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added spice)

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

1 large egg

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Prepare the Turkey Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season the meat with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes, cooking until browned and fully cooked through.

        Incorporate Spinach: Stir the chopped spinach into the turkey mixture, allowing it to cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the marinara sauce, combining everything well.

          Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese and egg. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, mixing until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.

            Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked ziti, the turkey-spinach-marinara mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

              Layer the Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly across the bottom. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over this layer. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this zesty dish!

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6