Better-For-You Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a comfort food staple. But with loads of full-fat ricotta, mozzarella and sometimes even sour cream too, one serving can rack up the calories and saturated fat.
Flavor soars in this slimmed-down version made with part-skim cheeses, oregano, thyme, garlic and onion. The baked pasta is a great choice for a make-ahead meal or a potluck dinner.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the ziti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Spoon 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange half of the ziti over the sauce. Top with the ricotta mixture and spread out in an even layer. Top the cheese layer with 1/2 cup of the sauce. Top with remaining ziti, remaining cup of sauce and remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Robin Miller is host of Quick Fix Meals, a nutritionist and author of 10 cookbooks, including “Robin Takes 5” and “Robin Takes 5 for Busy Families.” She is the busy mom of two active boys. Her boys and great food are her passion. Check her out at www.robinmillercooks.com.