Weight Watchers Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces whole wheat or high-fiber ziti pasta
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, but aim for it to be slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the ground turkey or chicken, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Assemble Baked Ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the tomato sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta.
6. Layer in Baking Dish: In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.