Mediterranean Diet Baked Ziti with Meatballs

Experience a delicious twist on a classic comfort food with this Mediterranean Diet Baked Ziti with Meatballs, a wholesome and flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. This recipe balances hearty whole grain ziti with tender, homemade turkey meatballs, seasoned with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flair. A vibrant tomato sauce enriched with fresh spinach and a hint of red pepper flakes ties everything together, topped with creamy melted mozzarella cheese. The result is a satisfying, protein-packed baked pasta dish that’s lighter yet indulgent. Ready in just about 80 minutes and ideal for six servings, this nutritious recipe is your go-to for comfort and health in one pan. Perfect for fans of Mediterranean cuisine and pasta lovers alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole grain ziti pasta
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.

Step 4

Form the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 20 meatballs.

Step 5

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add fresh spinach, crushed red pepper flakes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.

Step 8

Add the browned meatballs and cooked ziti to the tomato sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2133.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3279.6

Total Fat 136.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 684.0mg	0%
Sodium 5458.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 337.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 55.8g	0%
Total Sugars 51.4g
Protein 206.3g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 2034.7mg	0%
Iron 31.1mg	0%
Potassium 4948.8mg	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: 36.1%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 39.6%