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Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey

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!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

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.