Weight Watchers Chicken Baked Ziti

Weight Watchers Chicken Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat ziti pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (24 oz) jar light marinara sauce
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare Pasta
   • Cook ziti according to package instructions
   • Drain and set aside
   • Aim for al dente texture
   • Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water
2. Cook Chicken
   • Spray large skillet with cooking spray
   • Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil
   • Cook over medium-high heat until no longer pink
   • Remove chicken and set aside
   • In same skillet, sauté onions until translucent
   • Add minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds
3. Prepare Sauce
   • Add marinara sauce to skillet
   • Stir in reserved pasta water
   • Add spinach, cook until wilted
   • Return chicken to skillet
   • Simmer for 5 minutes
4. Assemble Baked Ziti
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
   • Spray baking dish with cooking spray
   • Layer in this order:
     • Half the pasta
     • Half the chicken and sauce mixture
     • Dollop half the ricotta
     • Sprinkle half the mozzarella
   • Repeat layers
   • Top with Parmesan cheese
5. Bake
   • Cover with foil
   • Bake for 25 minutes
   • Remove foil
   • Bake additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden
   • Let rest 10 minutes before serving
6. Serve
   • Garnish with fresh parsley
   • Cut into 6 equal servings

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 300-350
• Weight Watchers Points: 8-9 points
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g

Meal Prep Tips

• Can be refrigerated for up to 4 days
• Freezes well for up to 3 months
• Best to freeze before baking
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking

Variations

• Use ground turkey instead of chicken
• Add zucchini or bell peppers for extra vegetables
• Use gluten-free pasta for alternative diet needs
• Swap marinara for arrabbiata sauce for extra kick

Notes

• Always double-check point values with your specific Weight Watchers plan
• Ingredient substitutions may alter point values
• For extra protein, add a scoop of Greek yogurt to ricotta mixture

Storage

• Refrigerate in airtight container
• Reheat in oven or microwave
• Best consumed within 3-4 days
• For best texture, reheat covered to prevent drying