Leeza'S Low-Fat Ziti
A flavorful low-fat baked ziti with ricotta, marinara, and melted cheeses, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. Light yet satisfying with rich tomato flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ziti al dente.
- Combine ricotta, egg, and parsley in a bowl; mix.
- Drain ziti.
- Coat the bottom of a baking dish with 2 cups of marinara sauce.
- Layer half of the ziti over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan or Romano cheese over the ricotta.
- Cover with 2 more cups of marinara sauce.
- Layer the remaining ziti on top.
- Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the ziti.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan or Romano cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat ziti or adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the ricotta mixture. If you want to enhance the flavor, try incorporating some Italian seasoning into the marinara sauce. When using Egg Beaters, ensure they’re well mixed for an even texture. For a twist, you can swap the marinara for a creamy sauce inspired by New-Fashioned Fettuccine Alfredo.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mozzarella And Basil Salad for a fresh contrast. You can also serve it with crusty garlic bread and a light green salad to balance the richness of the ziti. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil to keep it moist and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered with a damp paper towel, for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leeza'S Low-Fat Ziti contains roughly 838 calories, with 34g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (68% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ziti in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. If you’re preparing it ahead, consider adding a little extra marinara sauce to keep it moist during baking.
What can I substitute for low-fat ricotta?
If you can't find low-fat ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Alternatively, you could use a mixture of Greek yogurt and a bit of cream cheese to achieve a creamy consistency while keeping the dish light.
Can I freeze the baked ziti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked ziti for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).