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Baked Ziti with Spicy Ground Turkey

Baked Ziti with Spicy Ground Turkey

  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Warm, cheesy, and with a kick of heat, this Baked Ziti with Spicy Ground Turkey is the ultimate comfort food with a healthier twist. Lean ground turkey is simmered in crushed tomatoes with red pepper flakes and garlic powder, then layered with tender ziti, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Baked until bubbly and golden, this crowd-pleasing pasta bake comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. Mangia!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for cooking the pasta
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 pound dried ziti pasta
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente (about 1 minute less than recommended). Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, kosher salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the turkey, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Combine the cooked ziti with the turkey-tomato sauce in a large bowl. Tear or cube fresh mozzarella into small pieces and fold in along with fresh basil leaves (reserve a few basil leaves for garnish).
  6. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with any remaining mozzarella.
  7. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with reserved basil, and serve warm.

Notes

Tips: For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup ricotta or heavy cream before baking. Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Substitutions: Use ground chicken or lean beef instead of turkey. Swap ziti for penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta. Use shredded low-moisture mozzarella if fresh isn’t available. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: B
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: baked ziti, spicy ground turkey, pasta bake, healthy baked pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://crystalrecipes.com/baked-ziti-with-spicy-ground-turkey/