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–+ servings

Whole Wheat Baked Ziti with Cauliflower Marinara Sauce

Brenda Lanzilli
Whole Wheat Baked Ziti with Cauliflower Marinara Sauce is more a wholesome approach to the classic recipe for Baked Ziti. By using whole wheat pasta and an entire steamed and pureed head of cauliflower, this family style dinner has an extra power bunch of nutrients without compromising the taste of the more traditional version.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 299 kcal

Equipment

  • food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole cauliflower steamed and pureed
  • 4 oz ricotta low fat
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2½ cup marinara sauce homemade or store bought
  • 16 oz whole wheat ziti
  • 1 tsp basil dried or fresh- i used dried
  • 1 tsp oregano dried or fresh- i used dried
  • 1 tsp parsley dried or fresh- i used dried
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Remove stems from head of cauliflower and cut into florets. Place florets in a steamer basket over about 1 or 2 inches of boiling water. Cover the pot and steam 8 minutes for fully tender florets.
  • Remove from heat and add to food processor with ⅓ cup of water to puree until smooth. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 425°
  • Cook whole wheat pasta to just al dente in large pot of salted boiling water, then drain.
    There will be additional cooking in the oven while baking, so you really do want to make sure it's al dente.
  • In large bowl or pot used to boil pasta, combine: cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, cauliflower puree, and seasonings. Stir to incorporate
  • Transfer pasta to large baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella, parmesan and parsley flakes.
  • Place baking dish on baking sheet and slide in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown and sauce is bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition Facts are estimates. 
To make in advance simply assemble, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake
To make and freeze: assemble, cover with plastic wrap and freeze in metal or aluminum dish (not glass). When ready to bake, take out of freezer and remove lid or any plastic wrap. Cover with foil and let it sit on the counter while the oven is preheating. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour, remove foil, bump up temperature to 400 and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until center is bubbly. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 746mgPotassium: 285mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 538IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 186mgIron: 1mg
Keyword baked pasta, baked ziti, budget friendly meals, buffalo sauce, cauliflower, cauliflower baked ziti, cheese, comfort food, creamy pasta, easy dinner, family dinner, family friendly, marinara, puree, vegetables, vegetarian, weeknight dinner, weeknight meals
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