Healthy High Protein Baked Ziti with Ground Chicken

By Adam Fisher
Published 1/30/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | High Protein | Diabetic | GLP-1
Healthy High Protein Baked Ziti with Ground Chicken
Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing

Classic comfort food gets a nutritious, high-protein makeover in this Healthy High Protein Baked Ziti. By swapping traditional high-fat meats for lean ground chicken and using a clever, fiber-rich white bean-ricotta blend, we’ve created a dish that is as satisfying as it is heart-healthy. Whether you are managing your weight, following a GLP-1 diet, or simply looking for a family-friendly dinner, this recipe delivers 25g of protein per serving without the excess sodium or saturated fat.

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, requiring just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. The "secret" to the creamy texture is the puréed cannellini beans, which add volume and essential fiber while keeping the dish heart healthy. It’s a delicious way to enjoy your favorite Italian flavors while supporting your long-term health goals.

Power up with even more of our healthy high protein recipes to keep you feeling energized and your taste buds satisfied.

Total Time
60 minutes
Servings
12
Calories
301

What Makes This High Protein Baked Ziti Healthy

This recipe focuses on nutrient density by combining lean animal protein with plant-based fiber. By utilizing a bean-based cream sauce and protein-enriched pasta, we've reduced the glycemic impact while significantly increasing satiety.

Key Health Highlights

  • High Protein Content: Provides 25g of protein per serving using 99% lean ground chicken to support muscle health.
  • Fiber-Rich Sauce: Pureed cannellini beans add smooth texture and heart-healthy fiber without extra fat.
  • Low Sodium: Uses no-salt-added beans and pasta sauce to keep sodium levels at just 245mg.
  • Heart Healthy: Features part-skim mozzarella and fat-free ricotta to keep saturated fat low.
  • Blood Sugar Friendly: The combination of protein and fiber helps prevent post-meal energy crashes.
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FAQs About High Protein Baked Ziti

It is not required for this recipe, as the extra sauce on top protects the pasta. However, if you prefer a very soft cheese topping, you may cover it with foil.

They share similar ingredients (pasta, sauce, cheese), but ziti uses tubular pasta and a stirred-together method rather than the distinct layers found in lasagna.

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from a cold dish.

Ensure you cook the pasta to "al dente" (usually 1-2 minutes less than the box instructions) since it will continue to cook in the oven.

Heart-Healthy Comfort Casseroles with Pasta

Discover satisfying, family-friendly meals that put heart-health first without giving up the classic comfort of a warm oven-baked dish. These pasta-based casseroles use lean proteins and nutrient-dense ingredients to provide a wholesome alternative to traditional heavy bakes.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Heart Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

High-Protein Pasta Dinner Ideas

Fuel your body with these delicious, high-protein pasta recipes designed to keep you full and energized. Each dish focuses on lean poultry and healthy pasta swaps to deliver a high-performance meal that supports your fitness and wellness goals.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Heart Healthy Brown Rice Penne Chicken

Ingredient Spotlight: Barilla Protein+® Rigatoni

For this recipe, we recommend using Barilla Protein+® Rigatoni. This multi-grain pasta is made with a blend of golden wheat and protein from lentils, chickpeas, and peas. It provides a classic al dente texture while offering a higher protein (17g protein per 3.5oz serving) and fiber (10g per 3.5oz serving) count than traditional semolina pasta, making it an excellent choice for a heart-healthy, high-protein lifestyle.

Healthy Variations

  • Veggie-Loaded: Fold in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms with the chicken mixture.
  • Spicy Ziti: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon for a bolder kick.
  • Pesto Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of homemade pesto sauce into the ricotta mixture.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 12 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 13x18-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook to al dente, according to package directions (about 9 to 11 minutes).

  3. Step 3

    While the pasta is cooking, brown the chicken. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the lean ground chicken and break up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add ¼ cup chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

  4. Step 4

    When the pasta is done cooking, drain into a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

  5. Step 5

    In the bowl of a food processor, add the cannellini beans, ricotta cheese and egg whites. Pulse on high until smooth and creamy. Transfer bean mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese; stir to combine. Add the remaining ¼ cup chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using); stir to combine. Add about ¾ jar of pasta sauce; stir to combine. Add the ground chicken and pasta; stir to combine.

  6. Step 6

    Transfer into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining pasta sauce and, if desired, sprinkle the top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

  7. Step 7

    Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbling; let stand for 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

  8. Step 8

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1/2 cup

301
Calories
7
g
Fat
47
mg
Cholesterol
245
mg
Sodium
35
g
Carbs
3
g
Sat. Fat
6
g
Fiber
25
g
Protein
6
g
Sugars
677
mg
Potassium
60
mg
Phosphorus

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Covered vs. Uncovered: For a softer, saucier top, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking. For a crispy cheese crust, bake uncovered as directed.
  • Air Fryer: You can bake smaller portions in an air-fryer-safe dish at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until bubbling.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: To maintain moisture, add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating in the microwave or oven (350°F).

What to Serve with This Healthy High Protein Baked Ziti

To keep the meal balanced and heart-healthy, pair this ziti with a crisp green salad or fiber-forward side dishes. It goes wonderfully with Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Garlic Roasted Broccoli. For a lighter pairing, try it alongside a Caesar salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

99% lean ground turkey or 96% lean ground beef can be used in place of ground chicken.

Use a vegan almond-based ricotta and dairy-free mozzarella shreds.

Barilla Protein+® Penne or Barilla Protein+® Rotini work just as well as rigatoni.

Chickpeas can be substituted for cannellini beans in the food processor, but will give it a more fibrous texture. Great Northern beans are also a great alternative because they have a similar, creamy consistency to cannellini beans.

More Healthy Cheesy Pasta Recipes

If you loved the creamy, cheesy goodness of this high protein ziti, you will enjoy these other nutritious takes on classic Italian favorites. These recipes use healthy cheese substitutions and extra veggies to give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture while staying heart-healthy.