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.

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Low Sodium Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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.

What can I use instead of baked ziti noodle? ›

Rigatoni is popular in the cuisine from central and southern Italy and comes from the Italian word rigato, which translates to “ridged” or “lined.” And it's those deep ridges and broad surface that makes rigatoni such a remarkable alternative to both penne and ziti.

Can a diabetic eat baked ziti? ›

Can people with diabetes eat pasta? People with diabetes can eat pasta but should choose whole grain types or wheat alternatives. They must also consider portion size and what they choose to accompany the pasta. A person with diabetes needs to consider the types of carbohydrates, or carbs they choose to eat.

Does baked ziti contain ricotta cheese? ›

Ricotta cheese – It creates a creamy layer in the center of the baked ziti. For the best texture, make sure to use whole milk ricotta in this recipe.

What do Italians use instead of ricotta? ›

Mascarpone: Another Italian cheese, mascarpone makes a great ricotta substitute. However, since mascarpone is more tart and flavorful, you should only use it in dishes with other strong flavors.

What is a healthy substitute for ricotta cheese? ›

Cottage cheese: As far as ricotta substitutes go, light and mild cottage cheese is your best bet. In fact, some people prefer to use cottage cheese because it has a similar flavor and fewer calories.

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!

What is the closest pasta to ziti? ›

Ziti Substitutes

Depending on the recipe, most any tubular shape of pasta can be used as a substitute for ziti pasta. Penne Ziti or Penne Rigate are the two most obvious choices—both have diagonal-cut ends. Penne rigate has outer ridges that help it to better capture sauces.

Can I use cream cheese instead of ricotta? ›

Cream Cheese

This cheese is thicker and smoother than ricotta, but it would work well in something like a warm pasta dish, where it can melt into the sauce, or anything that would benefit from a richer flavor. It's probably not the best choice for a big dollop in a lasagna, however, being more tart in flavor.

What's the best pasta for diabetics? ›

Whole wheat pasta is an excellent choice for diabetics as it contains whole grains. In addition to whole wheat pasta having a lower glycemic index than traditional pasta, whole wheat pasta also contains more fiber which can help to keep blood sugar levels in check.

Which pasta is better for diabetics? ›

Best Choices in the Pasta Aisle

Whole wheat pasta tastes much like white pasta cooked al dente. It is slightly lower in carbs than regular pasta. More importantly, a 1/3-cup serving of cooked whole wheat pasta has three times the fiber, making it a better option for blood sugar control.

What brand of pasta is good for diabetics? ›

nuPasta not only fits within the dietary restrictions for diabetics, it tastes great. It is available in a number of option – spaghetti, fettuccine, angel hair, and it can be paired with all of your favorite low sugar pasta sauces, meats, and vegetables. Your meal options are almost endless. Diabetics love nuPasta.

Do they eat Baked Ziti in Italy? ›

Baked Ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that is not commonly found in Italy. It is a casserole-style pasta that typically consists of ziti pasta, tomato sauce, cheese (usually a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan), and added ingredients like meat or vegetables.

Why add egg to ricotta? ›

For extra creamy ricotta, add in an extra egg, a handful of grated parmesan, and a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella. Eggs help prevent the ricotta from drying out and serve to bind the ricotta so it doesn't become runny. One or more eggs are recommended whether you add the other ingredients mentioned here or not.

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

Substitutions for Ziti

Ziti is a pretty common pasta shape in most areas, but you can substitute penne pasta if you can't find it. You want a substantial short pasta shape with places to hold the sauce and meat.

What is the closest substitute to ricotta cheese? ›

What Can I Use In Place Of Ricotta Cheese? 15 Amazing Options
  • Cottage Cheese. This chunky, moist cheese is often labeled boring and just meant for health freaks. ...
  • Greek Yogurt. ...
  • Cream Cheese. ...
  • Sour Cream. ...
  • Crème Fraiche. ...
  • Silken or Firm Tofu. ...
  • Fresh Goat Cheese. ...
  • Mascarpone.
Jan 4, 2024

What can I use instead of ricotta in pasta bake? ›

What is the best ricotta cheese substitute?
  1. Cottage Cheese.
  2. Cream Cheese.
  3. Mascarpone.
  4. Greek Yogurt.
  5. Queso Fresco.
  6. Sour Cream.
  7. Fresh Goat Cheese.
  8. Feta Cheese.
Mar 22, 2023

What is a good substitute for ricotta cheese in pasta? ›

Cottage cheese is the perfect low-fat alternative to ricotta in a lasagna recipe, but there is a step required to achieve a similar consistency. Cottage cheese is known for its lumps, yet it also has a milky liquid to keep it smooth and spoonable.

What can I use if I don't have ricotta cheese for lasagna? ›

What can I use in place of ricotta cheese in lasagna? Instead of ricotta cheese, use cottage cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheese, or mascarpone.

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