Description

This Healthy Baked Ziti with Kale & Mushrooms is a quick, easy, and nutritious pasta dish that combines whole wheat penne, lean Italian seasoned ground turkey, fresh vegetables, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. Perfect for a wholesome family meal, it’s freezer-friendly and sure to become a household favorite with its balanced flavors and healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Paste and Meat

8 oz whole wheat penne noodles
1 lb Italian seasoned ground turkey

Vegetables

8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 cups kale, chopped
3.8 oz jar sliced olives, drained
¼ cup basil, chopped

Sauces & Cheese

24 oz marinara/spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup cottage cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne noodles and cook for about 5 minutes until softened but still firm. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Cook Ground Turkey: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the Italian seasoned ground turkey until fully cooked through. Drain excess fat and add the cooked turkey to the bowl with the pasta.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped kale. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then add them to the pasta and turkey mixture.
Combine Ingredients: Add the marinara sauce, drained sliced olives, chopped basil, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and pour in the pasta mixture. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm for best taste.
Freezer Meal Option: To make it a freezer meal, follow steps 2-5 and assemble in a 9×13 aluminum pan. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight or bake from frozen. If thawed, bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until heated. If baking from frozen, bake at 350°F for 90-120 minutes.

Notes

This dish uses whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
You can substitute Italian seasoned ground turkey with lean ground chicken or beef if preferred.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more variety.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and use plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms instead.
Be careful not to overcook pasta during boiling to avoid mushy texture after baking.
Cooking times may vary depending on your oven; check for bubbling cheese and fully cooked noodles.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze portions individually for convenience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: baked ziti, healthy pasta recipe, kale and mushrooms, whole wheat pasta, ground turkey, freezer friendly, easy dinner, Italian pasta bake