Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey

4.25 from 4 votes

This creamy baked Italian dish is a budget-friendly family meal that will make even the pickiest eaters happy.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Budget-Friendly, Diabetic-Friendly, Kid-Friendly, Pasta

Servings: people

Calories: 289kcal

1 pound lean ground turkey optional, if you prefer meatless
1/2 cup onion diced
1 garlic clove minced
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
24 ounce marinara jar - no sugar added
4 cups ziti or penne shells, cooked (cook according to package, about 2-1/2 cups dry shells)
1/2 cup cottage cheese fat free
1/2 cup ricotta cheese low fat
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, low fat
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons dried oregano

In a large skillet add ground turkey, diced onion, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up meat as you go, cook until turkey has lost its pink color. Drain any fat from turkey and add the entire jar of marinara sauce, stir.
Cook ziti or penne shells according to the package instructions, al dente is preferred (firm but not hard). Drain and add to cooked turkey and marinara.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and oregano.
In a large casserole dish or 9" x 13" pan, add 1/2 turkey mixture (cooked turkey, marinara and cooked shells), top with half cheese mixture, repeat.
Cook uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

SmartPoints (Freestyle): 8