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Healthy Olive Garden’s Baked Ziti

Healthy Olive Garden’s Baked Ziti

Julia
Layers of penne pasta, ground meat smothered in ultra-rich marinara sauce topped with plenty of cheeses (but not too many), and flavorful spices combination. The famous Olive Garden Baked Ziti may just become your new family's favorite healthy version of baked pasta dish.
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 606 kcal

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INGREDIENTS
  

  • 10 ounces penne pasta, or other short pasta, gluten free works too
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup finely diced brown onion
  • 1 pound of ground beef or pork or a mix of both
  • 2 ⅓ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup ricotta
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (grate it yourself for best melting results)
  • ½ cup parmesan, freshly grated
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar, or brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Cook ziti or penne pasta according to package directions (Al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
    10 ounces penne pasta
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil or vegetable oil that you use for cooking. Once the oil is hot saute onion for 1 minute, add garlic and saute for another 1 minute.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons garlic cloves, ½ cup finely diced brown onion
  • Add the ground meat breaking it apart until it’s nicely browned. Once the meat is becoming brown, stir in the spices. Cook for about 2 minutes until seasonings are incorporated and fragrant.
    1 pound of ground beef or pork or a mix of both, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • Stir in the marinara sauce. Take it to a boil and reduce the what to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes.
    2 ⅓ cup marinara sauce
  • Taste for salt and black pepper and adjust if necessary. Remove from heat.
  • Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Stir to combine.
  • Spread half of the ziti evenly into an 8x10 (or 8x11) inch baking dish. Top with ricotta and half of the mozzarella cheese.
    1 cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup ricotta
  • Add another layer of remaining ziti on top. And now pour in the remaining meat sauce.
  • Assemble the last layer with parmesan, and leftover mozzarella cheese.
    ½ cup parmesan
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake on the center oven rack for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly becoming golden brown.
  • Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. Enjoy!.
    fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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NUTRITION

Calories: 606kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 34gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 974mgPotassium: 666mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 614IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 228mgIron: 4mg
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