Protein-packed baked ziti

Jump To Recipe

Protein-Packed Pasta: Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with Red Lentil Penne

Looking for a hearty, protein-rich dish that's also easy to whip up on busy days? Look no further! My easy baked ziti recipe combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with the nutritional boost of red lentil penne. Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let's dive into it!

Indulge in a delectable culinary experience with my protein-rich Red Lentil Penne Baked Ziti recipe, perfectly crafted to serve 12 and packed with wholesome macro-nutrients. Each serving offers a balanced blend of 354 calories, 19g of fat, 17g of carbohydrates, and an impressive 26g of protein.

Created to cater to the health-conscious and flavor enthusiasts alike, this easy-to-follow recipe combines savory lean ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and a harmonious marriage of Raos marinara and Alfredo sauces, all delicately enveloping tender red lentil penne pasta. Topped with a generous layer of gooey melted mozzarella cheese, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds while nourishing your body with essential nutrients.

Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or as a satisfying meal prep option.

In our home, baked ziti is more than just a Sunday dinner. It's a time-saving meal prep hero for the week ahead. After enjoying it fresh with a crisp side salad, and a slice of homemade garlic cheese bread, we portion the leftovers into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. The girls especially love taking it to school in their thermoses, where it stays warm and delicious until lunchtime. A little splash of water before reheating brings the dish back to life, making it just as comforting as when it came out of the oven. With this recipe yielding up to 12 hearty servings, it's a family favorite that checks all the boxes for taste, convenience, and versatility!

Step 1: Begin by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent. Next, add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

Step 2: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it until it’s just al dente, following the package instructions but shaving off a minute or two to avoid overcooking. This ensures the pasta retains a firm texture and won’t become mushy when baked. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine your jar of marinara sauce, jar of Alfredo sauce, cooked meat mixture, and a generous portion of shredded cheese. Once combined, add in your cooked pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated, the meat is distributed, and the cheese starts to blend into the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly. Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Penne Baked Ziti is a dish that effortlessly blends convenience with nutrition. Hope you enjoyed this simple dish as much as my family!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 finely chopped yellow onion

• 6 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

• 2 lbs of lean ground beef

• 1 and 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning

• 1 28oz jar of marinara sauce ( I used Raos)

• 1 15oz jar of Alfredo sauce (I used Raos)

• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 1 8.8oz box of red lentil penne pasta

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, cook the finely chopped onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add the lean ground beef and cook over medium heat until it's fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

4. Meanwhile, cook the red lentil pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

5. In a large mixing bowl, Mix together the jar of marinara sauce and the jar of Alfredo sauce along with your cooked beef mixture and half of your cheese. Add in your cooked pasta and mix until pasta is evenly coated.

6. Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.

7. Sprinkle the other half of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

9. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

10. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

11. Serve the protein-packed baked ziti hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Conclusion: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a satisfying and protein-rich baked ziti that's perfect for any occasion. The addition of red lentil penne not only boosts the protein content but also adds a delightful texture and flavor to the dish. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and let us know what you think!