Low Sodium Baked Ziti

Indulge in the comforting taste of Italian-American cuisine with this Low Sodium Baked Ziti, a health-conscious twist on a beloved classic. Packed with al dente ziti, a rich, herb-infused no-salt-added tomato sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish strikes the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes elevate the taste, while its low sodium profile makes it heart-healthy without sacrificing savory goodness. Ready in under an hour, this hearty baked pasta is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. Serve warm with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a complete, satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 ounces Tomato sauce, no salt added
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese, part-skim
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, part-skim, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0 To taste Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to ensure it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Saute the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the no-salt-added tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1.5 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix in the chopped parsley and add black pepper to taste.

Step 6

Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce and mix well to coat the pasta thoroughly.

Step 7

Layer half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.

Step 8

Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (making sure it doesn't touch the cheese) and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1725.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2759.9

Total Fat 106.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 276.8mg	0%
Sodium 2405.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 314.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.5g	0%
Total Sugars 44.9g
Protein 158.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3028.6mg	0%
Iron 24.0mg	0%
Potassium 3424.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.6%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 44.1%