Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey

The moment you take the first bite of Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey, a wave of comfort washes over you. It’s like being wrapped in a cozy blanket on a chilly fall evening, where every mouthful brings warmth and satisfaction. When I think of family gatherings, this dish always comes to mind. The rich blend of melted cheeses and savory turkey melds together to create an experience that’s hard to forget. I remember the first time I made it for my friends; the kitchen was filled with mouthwatering aromas that had everyone sneaking tastes before it was even done. It quickly became a staple in my home, perfect for cozy nights or casual dinners with loved ones.

Essential Ingredients for Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey

When it comes to creating a delicious Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey, the ingredients play a pivotal role. The blend of cheeses brings creaminess, while the turkey provides a hearty base. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a symphony of flavors that you won’t soon forget.

• 1 pound lean ground turkey: This is the star protein of our dish, bringing richness and a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
• 1/2 cup onion, diced: Adds a wonderful aromatic base, enhancing the flavor profile and giving depth to the sauce.
• 1 garlic clove, minced: A must-have for adding savory notes and a touch of warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: This spice brings a subtle kick that balances the creaminess of the cheeses.
• 24 ounces marinara jar, no sugar added: The sauce ties everything together, providing a rich and flavorful tomato base.
• 4 cups ziti or penne shells, cooked: The pasta acts as the perfect vessel for all the delicious ingredients, absorbing flavors and adding substance.
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese, fat free: This cheese adds creaminess without the extra calories, contributing to the overall texture.
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, low fat: Adds a fluffy, creamy element that contrasts well with the other cheeses.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, low fat: The ultimate melter, mozzarella brings a gooey texture that everyone loves.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances all the flavors, bringing everything together beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano: This herb adds a classic Italian flavor that is essential in a ziti dish.

How to Assemble Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey

Assembling the Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey is simple and fun! Follow along as I guide you through each step, ensuring that your dish comes out perfect every time.

1. In a large skillet, add the ground turkey, diced onion, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as you go. Look for the turkey to lose its pink color, which indicates it’s cooked through. This step releases wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen.
2. Once the turkey is cooked, drain any excess fat. Then add the entire jar of marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a minute or two to meld the flavors together.
3. While the turkey mixture simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti or penne shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This allows the pasta to absorb the sauce better.
4. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating the oven ahead of time ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix until smooth. This creamy mixture is what makes the ziti so irresistible.
6. In a large casserole dish or a 9″ x 13″ pan, add half of the turkey mixture, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Spread it evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining turkey mixture and cheese mixture. This stacking creates a beautiful presentation and a melty texture.
8. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will be heavenly!
9. Once baked, remove the foil and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers settle, making it easier to serve.

Recipe Notes about Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey

Here are some important notes to keep in mind while preparing your Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey. These tips will help you get the most out of your cooking experience.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Just ensure it’s tightly covered before placing it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble this dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute turkey with ground chicken or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version.

Perfect Pairings for Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey

When serving your Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey, consider the following pairings to enhance your meal:

• Garlic Bread: The crunchiness and buttery flavor of garlic bread makes a lovely complement to the cheesy ziti.
• Garden Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish and add a splash of color.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide extra nutrients and make for a hearty addition.
• Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a glass of light white or red can enhance your meal experience.
• Storage Tips: Ensure you store the ziti properly to maintain freshness — use airtight containers.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or as a comforting meal during the fall.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey is a standout dish that combines warmth, comfort, and flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. You’ll find that it quickly becomes a favorite in your home, just like it did in mine.

Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey

The ultimate comfort food, Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey brings together creamy cheeses and savory turkey for an easy weeknight dinner. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings and is sure to be a hit at your table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground turkey optional, if you prefer meatless
• 1/2 cup onion diced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 24 ounces 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

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Skillet
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

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

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Tip 2: This dish freezes well. Just ensure it’s tightly covered before placing it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months.
• Tip 3: Serve with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
• Tip 4: You can assemble this dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Tip 5: Feel free to substitute turkey with ground chicken or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.