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My Easy 5-Ingredient Baked Ziti (Gluten Free Option) uses simple ingredients and is perfect for those busy weeknights. Traditional baked ziti uses an Italian cheese blend. My twist is to add extra protein using cottage cheese. My 5-Ingredient Baked Ziti can be served with a side salad or warm Italian bread. This easy recipe is a delicious meal and will soon become a family favorite! You can use gluten-free pasta in this easy baked ziti recipe or any pasta noodles of your choice. This recipe has minimal prep time and a mild flavor so it’s toddler approved!
- Healthy, quick and delicious - Family friendly - Most ingredients can be swapped out to adjust according to your dietary needs - Loaded with protein.
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Start with bringing water to a boil and cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Boil the pasta to al dente, following the instructions on the package. Before draining the pasta, reserve a 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water.
2.Preheat a large skillet on medium heat and add about a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground turkey. With a large wooden spoon, break up the turkey meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes and then add the seasonings. Continue to cook for about 15 minutes or until the turkey is fully cooked and has no more pink. Add the marinara and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. When it’s done, add in the reserved salted pasta water. Gently stir it to combine.
3.Add the marinara and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. When it’s done, add in the reserved salted pasta water. Gently stir it to combine. Add the cooked pasta into the casserole dish. Then carefully pour the pasta sauce and meat mixture over the top of the pasta.
4. Top with the cottage cheese. Gently combine the pasta, sauce and cottage cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. When it’s done, carefully remove the foil and season with additional salt or seasoning if needed. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite crusty bread or salad.
Tips: For a little bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or sprinkle with cayenne. This recipe calls for Italian seasoning but for extra flavor, you can create your own Italian spice blend by combining: 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried basil and garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme and cayenne.
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