Low Fat Pesto Baked Ziti Recipe

Name: Low Fat Pesto Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 lb spiral shaped pasta; 1/2 red onion; 3 -4 garlic cloves; 2 cups crushed tomatoes; black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups low-fat cheese; 1/3 cup low-fat parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup pesto sauce; cooking spray

Servings: persons

1
COOK pasta (your choice) in water for 10 minutes; will be partially cooked.
2
NOTE: You do NOT need to add salt or oil if watching fat content; just stir and DRAIN.
3
Finely dice red onion.
4
Spray pan with oil and cook onions 5 minutes until soft, ADD diced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5
ADD crushed tomatoes, black pepper and bay leaf.
6
SIMMER 10 - 15 minutes until slightly thicker.
7
Spray 8 x 13 inch baking dish.
8
Place 1/2 pasta on bottom.
9
In small bowl, mix ricotta, pesto, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and half of the parmesan cheese.
10
Place mixture on top of pasta and 1/3 of tomatoe sauce mixture.
11
TOP with rest of pasta.
12
TOP with rest of sauce.
13
TOP with rest of mozzerella and parm cheese.
14
BAKE in 180 degree oven for about 35- 40 minutes covered.
15
NOTE: Adjust garlic to YOUR taste; I used 2 tablespoons.
16
NOTE: I also use the lowest fat cheese I can find.
17
NOTE: Pesto can be store bought; look at fat content on labels as can vary significantly.
18
NOTE: If you like your sauce slightly thicker, add 1 - 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
19
NOTE: Is a recipe that you might have to show control eating like me! 1 cup = my portion approximately.
20
ENJOY!
21
I served with rocket, tomato and feta cheese salad with balsamic vinegar.

659

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 lb spiral shaped pasta, 1/2 red onion, 3 -4 garlic cloves, 2 cups crushed tomatoes, and more.

Yes, Low Fat Pesto Baked Ziti falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Low Fat Pesto Baked Ziti

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions