Photo & recipe credits: http://skinnyms.com/three-cheese-ziti-with-turkey/
Because it has become such a big hit with my family, I have to share this great recipe. My friend Amy brought it to us the week before our move last summer when we were in the midst of crazy packing, and we fell in love with it. The cayenne pepper gives a spicy taste to the ground turkey without the fat of sausage. We have eaten it with both gluten-free pasta and whole wheat pasta and loved it both ways. So, with fond thoughts of a friend who showed TLC to our family in our time of need, I post this great recipe:
Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey
Servings: 8 | Calories: 289 | Total Fat: 7 g | Previous Points: 5 | Points Plus: 6 | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Trans Fat: 0 | Cholesterol: 20 mg | Sodium: 228 mg | Carbohydrates: 43 g | Sugars 3 g | Dietary Fiber: 5 g | Protein: 15 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey, (optional, if you prefer meatless)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara, no sugar added
- 4 cups cooked ziti or penne shells (cook according to package, about 2-1/2 cups dry shells)
- 1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup low fat ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, low fat
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Directions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook ground turkey, diced onion, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and cayenne pepper. Break up the meat as you go, cooking until turkey has lost its pink color. Drain any fat from turkey and add the entire jar of marinara sauce, stir.
Cook ziti or penne shells according the package instructions. Al dente is preferred (firm but not hard). Drain and add to cooked turkey and marinara.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and oregano.
In a large casserole dish or 9″ x 13″ pan, add 1/2 turkey mixture (cooked turkey, marinara and cooked shells), top with half cheese mixture, then repeat.
Cook uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.