Name: Keto Cauliflower Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 heads Cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets); 1/4 cup Olive oil; 3/4 tsp Sea salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 1 tbsp Olive oil; 1 lb Italian sausage; 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups Marinara sauce; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 1/2 cups Whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese (shredded); 2 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Keto Cauliflower Baked Ziti is a delicious low-carb twist on a classic comfort food. By swapping pasta for roasted cauliflower, it keeps all the cheesy, savory goodness while staying keto-friendly. Perfect for satisfying cravings without the extra carbs.

A white baking dish filled with a baked casserole showing at least three layers: a bottom layer of red tomato sauce with meat and pasta, a middle layer of melted shredded cheese blending with the sauce, and a top layer of dollops of soft white cheese melted unevenly over the dish. The cheese has a slightly browned and bubbly texture. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 heads cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
5 tbsp olive oil (divided into 1/4 cup and 1 tbsp)
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lb Italian sausage
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese (shredded)
2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with foil or parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 1/4 cup olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Roast for about 25 minutes, turning or rotating the pans halfway through, until the cauliflower is browned.
Step 4: While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Create a well in the cooked sausage and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir it into the sausage evenly.
Step 6: Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until thick and bubbly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). In a 9×13 baking dish, layer half the roasted cauliflower, half the ricotta dollops, half the shredded Parmesan, half the sausage marinara, and half the mozzarella. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
Step 8: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden on top.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sausage marinara sauce for a mild kick.
Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir a beaten egg into the ricotta before layering.
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in a 350 degree F oven until heated through or microwave individual portions. You can freeze the baked dish for 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked pasta dish in a white ceramic rectangular dish showing multiple layers: a bottom layer of tender pasta tubes covered in a rich, chunky red tomato and meat sauce, topped with a layer of melted, gooey white cheese that stretches slightly as a spoon lifts a spoonful. The sauce has a thick, textured appearance with browned bits, and the cheese on top appears soft and creamy with some golden spots from baking. A metal spoon scoops out a portion, showing the layered pasta and sauce inside, all set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

While fresh cauliflower tends to roast better and hold its texture, you can use frozen cauliflower. Be sure to drain and pat it dry thoroughly before roasting to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can roast the cauliflower and cook the sausage marinara ahead of time, then assemble and bake the dish when ready. It reheats well and makes a convenient, satisfying meal prep option.