Artichoke Baked Ziti: Creamy, Rich, and Decadent
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: One-Dish Meal
Servings: 6
Description:
Looking for a dish that’s creamy, rich, and decadent? This Artichoke Baked Ziti will have you saying goodbye to bland, diet-friendly meals. Made with low-fat substitutes, this dish provides all the creamy goodness you crave without compromising on flavor. The combination of tender artichokes, ziti pasta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, along with a blend of mayo and sour cream, creates an indulgent yet surprisingly light dish. It’s perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet without giving up that satisfying comfort food experience. Best of all, even if you scale down the recipe, it still serves a crowd—this version serves six but can easily be halved.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Artichokes (canned or fresh) | 3 (cups, chopped) |
| Ziti Pasta | 1 (pound) |
| Mayonnaise (low-fat) | 1 (cup) |
| Sour Cream (low-fat) | 1 (cup) |
| Green Onion (finely chopped) | 3/4 (cup) |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 3/4 (cup) |
| Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) | 1 (cup) |
| Mozzarella Cheese (for topping) | 1/4 (cup) |
| Bread Crumbs (optional) | 1/4 (cup) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 730 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 55.9 mg |
| Sodium | 838.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 93.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g |
| Sugars | 8.7 g |
| Protein | 27.7 g |
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing it for a perfectly baked ziti.
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or olive oil to ensure the ziti doesn’t stick while baking.
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Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped artichokes, low-fat mayonnaise, sour cream, finely chopped green onions, parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated and creamy.
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Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the mixture, stirring gently to coat the pasta with the creamy artichoke sauce. Make sure the pasta is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Assemble the Dish: Transfer the ziti mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly for the best baking results.
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Top with Mozzarella and Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the ziti. If desired, sprinkle some bread crumbs for added texture and a crispy finish.
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Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Let it Rest: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the ziti to sit for 5-7 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes the dish easier to cut and serve.
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Serve and Enjoy: Dish out the creamy, rich, and decadent artichoke baked ziti for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Tips for Success:
- Low-Fat Alternatives: For an even lighter version, feel free to swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative.
- Add Protein: While the recipe is vegetarian, adding grilled chicken or turkey sausage can boost the protein content if desired.
- Extra Creaminess: If you like an extra creamy texture, you can stir in a bit of low-fat ricotta cheese to the sauce mixture before baking.
Review Summary:
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars (Based on 3 reviews)
- Why It’s Loved: This dish is a great option for those on a diet but still craving comfort food. It’s loaded with flavor, yet feels light and indulgent. The combination of artichokes and creamy sauce is a hit every time!
Give this Artichoke Baked Ziti a try—you’ll be amazed at how rich and decadent a low-fat version can be!
