Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (2024)

This low sodium baked ziti recipe is a fantastic healthy dinner or side dish everyone at the table will love! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with mushrooms, spinach, salt free tomato sauce, and low sodium cheeses.

This is one fantastic pasta bake layered with hearty vegetables and flavorful sauce. Serve with an easy low sodium garlic bread and a salt free cucumber salad for a delicious dinner.

Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (1)

When you want a hearty filling family dinner, there’s nothing better than a hot bubbling dish of low sodium baked ziti! This recipe can easily be made low sodium by using some great cheese options – I use a fresh mozzarella that is packed in water and a low-salt ricotta cheese which give this dish a great flavor!

This low sodium pasta is super satisfying for a dinner, and makes a great dish for entertaining. I leave out any sausage which can have added sodium, so the filling is a great mix of meatless veggies.

And you can even make it ahead of time.It can be put together in a casserole dish the night before, covered, and then baked as normal the next day.

This Low Sodium Baked Ziti Recipe Is

  • Hot
  • Cheesy
  • Bubbly
  • Decadent
  • Hearty
  • A Fantastic Low Sodium Pasta
  • Vegetarian & Meat Free

Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (2)

A Great Low Sodium Pasta Recipe

Pastas and noodles are one of our staples on a low sodium diet – most have 0mg sodium per serving. However, it can be tough to fine a store-bought sauce, so I love using bright fresh flavors to make my own.

This baked ziti is perfect for a tasty meal for the family, and also great to make for company if you are having guests for dinner. You can use a salt-free jarred tomato sauce (I like to make my own low sodium tomato sauce which only takes 20-30 minutes to cook) so you can enjoy extra time to prep sides or a salad. Browse all our low sodium pasta and sauce recipes here!

What’s In This Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe?

I love shopping for fresh produce through Misfits Market – they sell groceries, healthy pantry staples, and fantastic food finds at a discounted price. Choose your favorite seasonal produce, save up to 40% off grocery store prices & get it delivered to your door.

  • Ziti or Penne- these thick pasta shapes are the perfect noodle for this dish – the sauce and cheese flows inside the pasta making each bite super decadent.
  • Ricotta & Fresh Mozzarella – see note below on low sodium cheeses!
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like to use a fruity olive oil which has a fantastic flavor and deep color- it’s inexpensive so I keep a few liters stocked up in my pantry. Olive oil gives this dish a great taste, and also can contain heart-healthy properties!
  • Onion
  • Spinach – you can use fresh or frozen, I used frozen and it turned out delicious!
  • Garlic
  • Egg – which helps keep the filling together!
  • Mushrooms
  • Parsley
  • No Salt Added Tomato Sauce – When I don’t have the time for my homemade tomato sauce, this no salt-added tomato sauce is my go-to! It’s healthy, organic, and I love the flavor in my pasta recipes.

Tasty Low Sodium Cheese Recipes

I love this low sodium baked pasta recipe, which does have cheese as an ingredient. While a lot of cheeses can be high in sodium, there are a few options which can fit into a low sodium diet when eaten in moderation. Here are a few of my favorite cheese options.

    • Fresh Mozzarella – I get fresh mozzarella packed in water, which can be lower in sodium than other cheeses. For example, this fresh mozzarella has just 40mg of sodium per serving. I love it on low sodium pizza, my caprese salad bite appetizers, and tossed with pasta and my salt free tomato sauce.
    • Ricotta Cheese – I love enjoying a low salt ricotta with lasagnas, pasta bakes, or just spread on toast with a drizzle of honey and fruit. This ricotta has just 50mg of sodium for a ¼ cup serving! You can even make your own ricotta (all you need is milk, vinegar, and cheesecloth), by following my easy recipe here.
    • Goat Cheese – creamy, tangy, and savory, goat cheese is fantastic spread on crackers and topped with jam or fruit. This goat cheese has 80mg of sodium per serving.
  • If you have other favorite low sodium cheeses, let us know in the comments below!

Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (3)

How Do I Make This Baked Ziti Recipe without Meat?

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook the ziti al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
  3. In another pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the garlic, onion, and mushrooms and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes until veggies have softened. Add the tomato sauce and simmer ingredients together.
  4. In a large bowl combine the low salt ricotta, parsley, spinach, and egg. Mix together well so all the vegetables and cheese have combined.
  5. In a deep 13×9 inch baking dish, layer 1 cup tomato sauce, half of the pasta, half of the cheese/vegetable mixture. Repeat again with another layer of sauce, pasta, and cheese. Sauce one more time for the final layer, and sprinkle the fresh mozzarella on top.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes covered, and an additional 20 minutes uncovered until pasta and cheese becomes hot and bubbly.
  7. ***If making ahead of time, follow steps 1-4, then wrap the baking dish in tin foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, follow step 5.

Low Sodium Dinners The Family Will Love

This easy baked ziti recipe is low in sodium and couldn’t be easier to make! Low Sodium cooking does NOT have to be bland, boring, or flavorless… It’s quite the opposite when done right. By building meals around salt free pantry staples and swapping a few ingredients you can make healthier meals for you and your family.

These salt-free dinners are healthier versions of classics that everyone will love. You can browse all our low sodium dinner recipes. Find your next family favorite!

More Low Sodium Pastas You’ll Love!

Low Sodium Tomato Sauce with Basil Recipe (No Salt Added)

Low Sodium Meat Sauce for Pasta Recipe (No Salt Added)

Easy Low Sodium Pasta Salad Recipe (No Salt Added)

Low Sodium Macaroni Salad Recipe (No Salt Added)

Low Sodium Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (No Salt Added)

Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (4)

Share This Baked Ziti without Added Salt!

If you make this low sodium baked pasta recipe be sure to rate this recipe below, leave a comment, and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

And please feel free to share with your Facebook groups or friends!

Let’s keep in touch – don’t forget to follow over on Instagram, Facebook, & my Youtube channel for more amazing low sodium recipes – I’d love to connect with you there!

Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (5)

Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta

AuthorAuthor Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (6)Kelly Jensen

This low sodium baked ziti recipe is a fantastic healthy dinner or side dish everyone at the table will love! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with mushrooms, spinach, salt free tomato sauce, and low sodium cheeses.

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course dinner, pasta

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 443 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls

  • 13x9 Baking Dish

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces ziti or penne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms chopped
  • 26 ounces no-salt-added tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons Italian herbs blend of dried oregano, parsley, basil, etc.
  • 15 ounces low salt ricotta cheese see note below
  • 8 ounces spinach fresh or frozen
  • 1 egg
  • 6 ounces fresh mozzarella

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook the ziti al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

  • In another pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the garlic, onion, and mushrooms and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes until veggies have softened. Add the tomato sauce and simmer ingredients together.

  • In a large bowl combine the low salt ricotta, spinach, Italian herbs, and egg. Mix together well so all the vegetables and cheese have combined.

  • In a deep 13x9 inch baking dish, layer 1 cup tomato sauce, half of the pasta, half of the cheese/vegetable mixture. Repeat again with another layer of sauce, pasta, and cheese. Sauce one more time for the final layer, and sprinkle the fresh mozzarella on top.

  • Bake for 30 minutes covered, and an additional 20 minutes uncovered until pasta and cheese becomes hot and bubbly.

  • ***If making ahead of time, follow steps 1-4, then wrap the baking dish in tin foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, follow step 5.

Video

Notes

Low Sodium Cheeses

  • Fresh Mozzarella - I get fresh mozzarella packed in water, which can be lower in sodium than other cheeses. For example, this fresh mozzarella has just 40mg of sodium per serving.
  • Ricotta Cheese - I love enjoying a low salt ricotta with lasagnas, pasta bakes, or just spread on toast with a drizzle of honey and fruit. This ricotta has just 50mg of sodium for a ¼ cup serving! You can even make your own ricotta (all you need is milk, vinegar, and cheesecloth), by following my easy recipe here.

Save Money on Fresh Groceries & Pantry Staples!

I get all the fresh produce for my recipes from my garden and from Misfits Market – they sell organic produce at a discounted price, and it’s purchased direct from farmers to reduce food waste. We get Misfit boxes every other week and love picking out our favorite seasonal produce for delivery. You can save up to 40% off grocery store prices.

If you think produce delivery is too expensive… think again, and give Misfits Market a try!

Nutrition

Calories: 443kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 21gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 114mgPotassium: 660mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3185IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 304mgIron: 3mg

*Please note, all nutrition content is estimated based on the ingredients we used, it may vary based on your ingredients. Always check your nutrition labels to verify sodium amounts.

Keyword low salt pasta recipes, low sodium baked pasta, low sodium baked ziti, low sodium dinners, low sodium italian recipes, low sodium noodles recipe, low sodium pasta salad

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was! Please comment and leave a review.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many pounds of ziti per person? ›

Having said that, 2 oz. (by weight) dried (i.e. raw, uncooked) pasta per person is considered a good single-serving rule of thumb.

Is baked ziti easier than lasagna? ›

It's a lot like a classic lasagna casserole, but easier to make and without lots of layers or broken noodles. It makes for a perfect midweek or weekend meal, or a hot dish to bring to a potluck. Make extra and freeze for later.

Why is my baked ziti watery? ›

Oftentimes, baked ziti can end up watery if the tomato sauce isn't thick enough. Luckily this recipe calls for the tomato sauce to simmer on the stove along with the ground beef and onion. Doing this will help to get rid of some of the extra water in the sauce.

What is a substitute for ziti pasta? ›

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni for ziti in most recipes. Both are tubular-shaped pasta, but rigatoni is larger and has ridges, while ziti is smooth.

Is 1lb of pasta enough for 3 people? ›

One pound of cooked pasta can typically serve about 4 to 6 people. The serving size of pasta can vary depending on factors such as appetite, dietary restrictions, and the intended purpose of the meal.

Is 2 pounds of pasta enough for 6 people? ›

Most recipes call for one pound of pasta — which is a standard box or bag — to serve four to six people.

Should you bake ziti covered or uncovered? ›

Should I cover Baked Ziti while it's baking? Yes. Cover loosely with foil so it doesn't stick to the cheese, then bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil so the cheese can go bubbly and golden!

Do Italians eat baked ziti? ›

Baked Ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that is not commonly found in Italy.

What is a substitute for ricotta cheese in baked ziti? ›

Mix a cup of substitute egg or 4 eggs with a carton of cottage cheese. Mix until fully blended. I've used fat free cottage cheese this way and it's worked out well. Make sure to add salt and pepper - remember ricotta is a creamy but fairly bland ingredient without it.

How do you know when ziti is done? ›

Two minutes before the finish time, start testing bits for consistency. Properly cooked, it should be “al dente”, or “to the tooth”, which means that it is cooked through but only to the point that the center is slightly chewy.

How do you keep baked ziti moist? ›

Layering is important (but easy!)

Layer half the mozzarella into the pasta and reserve half for the top. It bakes up golden-brown — the hallmark of a good pasta casserole. Make sure there is enough sauce to use as a layer at the top, under the mozzarella. This will insulate the pasta and keep it from drying out.

What do Italians call ziti? ›

In Italian, ziti is short for maccheroni di zita, or "macaroni of the bride." This probably comes from ziti's longstanding popularity as part of a wedding buffet, particularly in Southern Italy.

Can I use penne instead of ziti for Baked Ziti? ›

Can I substitute rigatoni for ziti in a baked ziti recipe? Yes, absolutely. Penne would also work really well.

What is ziti at Olive Garden? ›

A baked blend of Italian cheeses, pasta and our signature five cheese marinara.

How many people will a pound of baked ziti feed? ›

Well, when I make it, a 9x13" pan that holds a recipe with a pound of Ziti, pound of meat, 15 oz. tub of Ricotta, jar of sauce, 2-3 cups of cheese = 6-8 adult servings, 8-10 kid servings.

How many people does 1lb of pasta feed? ›

Brandwein says most boxes of dried pasta are about 1 pound and offer four large individual servings.

How much pasta do I need for 20 people? ›

If you're having pasta as your main meal, we'd suggest the following quantities: 100g of dried pasta per person. 120g of fresh pasta per person.

How many pounds is a full tray of ziti? ›

In each of two well-sprayed full steam table pans, layer 4 pounds ziti mixture and 8 ounces ricotta mixture. Repeat.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 6342

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.