Healthier Baked Ziti

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). (5 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Toss immediately with the chopped spinach and reduced-fat sour cream, ensuring the spinach wilts slightly from the heat of the pasta. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 12 mins While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the chopped onion and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. (12 minutes)

Recipe View 20 mins Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Add the broccoli florets. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired. (20 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, followed by half of the diced smoked mozzarella, and half of the sauce mixture. Repeat with the remaining ziti, smoked mozzarella, and sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 20 mins Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheeses are melted.

Recipe View 35 mins Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. (35 minutes)