This easy baked ziti is comforting, delicious and perfect for feeding a crowd! It combines tender ziti noodles and vegetables with a ground turkey marinara sauce all topped with mozzarella cheese.

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser you’ve come to the right place because this easy baked ziti recipe is just that!

It’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without too much fuss, or for those occasions when you need to feed a crowd. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful ground turkey, and rich, cheesy goodness makes this dish irresistible. Plus, the addition of fresh veggies like zucchini and bell pepper adds a nutritious twist to this classic Italian-American favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile and Customizable: With the option to add or swap vegetables, this dish can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: The warm, cheesy goodness of this baked ziti is the culinary equivalent of a cozy hug. It’s comfort food that will leave everyone satisfied.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish can easily be made ahead of time, making your meal planning a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: Its familiar flavors and cheesy appeal make it a hit with both adults and kids alike.
• Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or a casual get-together, this baked ziti fits the bill and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients Needed

• ziti pasta – the star of the show, ziti is perfect for holding onto all the delicious sauce and cheese.
• olive oil – a kitchen staple for sautéing, adding a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
• yellow onion – brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish when cooked.
• zucchini – adds a fresh, slightly sweet touch, and a great way to sneak in more veggies.
• red bell pepper – for a pop of color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
• garlic cloves – a must for that aromatic, savory depth that’s key in Italian cooking.
• ground turkey – a leaner alternative to beef that still packs a ton of flavor.
• Italian seasoning – this blend of herbs brings the classic Italian flavors to the dish.
• salt – essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the ziti.
• ground pepper – adds a slight kick and rounds out the flavor profile.
• baby spinach – a great way to add some greens, wilting perfectly into the sauce.
• marinara sauce – the heart of the dish, enveloping the pasta in rich, tomatoey goodness.
• cottage cheese – adds a creamy texture and is a lighter alternative to ricotta.
• parmesan cheese – for that salty, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully, giving you those perfect cheese-pull moments.
• fresh basil – a fragrant finishing touch that adds a burst of freshness.

How to Make

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. It should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, breaking the turkey into small pieces as it cooks, until fully done.

Step 4: Stir in the chopped zucchini and half of the marinara sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften. Turn off the heat and mix in the baby spinach. It will wilt from the heat of the turkey and veggie mixture.

Step 5: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta in the baking dish. Add the turkey and vegetable mixture, along with the cottage cheese and parmesan. Stir everything together until well combined. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti.

Step 6: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and heated through. For a golden, crispy cheese top, broil the baked ziti for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 7: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Substitutions & Notes

• Pasta: If ziti is unavailable, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli as a substitute.
• Ground turkey: Ground beef or Italian sausage can replace ground turkey for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat all together or consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives.
• Cottage cheese: Ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese if you don’t have any on hand or aren’t a fan if it.
• Sauce: Homemade marinara sauce can be used instead of store-bought for a more personalized touch. Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the sauce to your taste.
• Vegetables: The recipe is quite versatile with vegetables. You can add mushrooms, eggplant or any other veggies you prefer.
• Dairy-free: Swap out the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives if you’re catering to lactose intolerance or a vegan diet.
• Gluten-free: I haven’t tested it, but I bet using a gluten-free pasta option would work well for this baked ziti.
• Spice: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the turkey while cooking.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti

This pasta dish is hearty and filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to make a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions:

• Salad: A simple green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Try this kale caesar salad for something tasty, yet simple. This caprese salad and antipasto salad don’t have any greens but both would make for a wonderful side dish to this baked ziti.
• Roasted veggies: You can never have too many veggies, am I right?! A baking pan full of your favorite roasted vegetables would be the perfect side to this pasta. Some options: roasted broccoli, roasted sweet potatoes or air fryer brussels sprouts.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes. Opt for whole grain bread for a healthier twist.

How to Store Leftovers

This baked ziti makes a huge batch so it’s perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store leftovers:

• In the fridge: Allow the ziti to cool to room temperature. Then cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will last 4-5 days in the fridge.
• In the freezer: Baked ziti freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap the baking dish well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. If it’s frozen, extend the heating time, and consider covering with foil to prevent the top from drying out.

More Pasta Dishes to Try

Be sure to check out the full collection of dinner recipes on EBF!