High Protein Baked Ziti

High Protein Baked Ziti Recipe

Servings: 2–3
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Baked ziti is the kind of meal that always feels like it's for a crowd — a big pan, way too much cheese, and leftovers you're excited about. The problem is most versions leave you in a carb coma with barely any protein to show for it.

I wanted a smaller-batch ziti that actually holds its own macro-wise, without turning into another sad protein bowl. This one still gets that bubbly, cheesy top and rich tomato sauce, it just does more work for you. The protein is already built into the sauce, so even before the meat and cheese hit the pan, you're ahead.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• 44g of protein per serving
• Real comfort food, not a "fit" version of it
• Ready in under 45 minutes
• Great for meal prep, reheats well
• No ricotta-mixing fuss — just layer and bake

Ingredients

• 2 jars Forté Protein Sauce
• 6 oz ziti or penne pasta
• ½ lb lean ground beef or Italian turkey sausage
• ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella, divided
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 small egg
• ½ small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just shy of al dente — about 1–2 minutes under the package time. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the meat
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the beef or sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Make the sauce
Pour in the Forté Protein Sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 4: Bring it together
Stir the ricotta and egg together in a small bowl. Off heat, stir the drained pasta into the sauce until coated. Dollop the ricotta mixture over the top and swirl it in — don't fully mix it. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and parmesan.

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden at the edges. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Nutrition Facts
Per Serving | Recipe Makes 3 Servings
Calories: 560
Protein: 44g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fat: 21g

Nutrition estimates include lean ground beef, ziti pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Forté Protein Sauce nutrition values. Forté Protein Sauce provides 17g of protein per serving.