Elderly care in Monroe NJ

If your family is like many, they love a good slice of pepperoni pizza. Always calling up the local pizzeria for delivery can be expensive, however, and does not necessarily fit in with the nutritional goals of your elderly care efforts with your seniors. The next time that your family is craving the rich and indulgent flavor of pepperoni pizza, try making this healthier, more satisfying casserole.

This pasta bake contains all of the flavors of pepperoni pizza, including protein-packed cheese, ground turkey, and turkey pepperoni, as well as a dose of vegetables for extra dietary fiber and vitamins. Far fewer carbs and much higher nutrition mean this dinner will satisfy cravings but you can still feel good about serving it. This dish also freezes beautifully, so consider making an extra and slipping it into your parents’ freezer for their elderly health care services provider to heat up for them the next time they want something filling and delicious.

 

What You Will Need

• 1 and 1/2 ounces of sliced turkey pepperoni

• 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup of water

• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 2 garlic cloves

• 4 teaspoons of Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup of reduced fat ricotta cheese

• 5 ounces of frozen chopped spinach

• 1 can of mushroom pieces and stems

• 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded, part skim mozzarella cheese

• 2 cans of tomato sauce, divided into 29 ounces and 8 ounces

• 1/2 of a pound of lean ground turkey

• 1 pound of uncooked ziti

• A sharp knife

• A cutting board

• Olive oil

• Salt to taste

• A large pot

• A large nonstick skillet

• A 13 by 9 inch baking dish

• Cooking spray

• A large bowl

• Aluminum foil

 

What to Do

• Thaw and squeeze dry the chopped spinach, then put aside

• Using the sharp knife, carefully mince the garlic cloves

• Fill the large pot with water and place on high heat

• Add olive oil and salt to taste to the pot and boil

• When boiling, add the pasta and cook

• Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally until al dente

• In the large nonstick skillet, pour a touch of olive oil and set on medium heat

• When the skillet is hot, add the turkey and cook until no longer pink

• Drain the skillet and transfer the turkey to a large bowl

• Add the 29 ounce can of tomato sauce, mushrooms, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, spinach, Italian seasoning, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, minced garlic, pepper and pepper flakes to the large bowl

• Drain the pasta

• Fold the pasta into the turkey mixture

• Coat the 13 by 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray

• Once the pasta is fully combined, transfer to the 13 by 9 inch baking dish

• Combine the water and remaining tomato sauce and pour over the pasta mix

• Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top

• Sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella on top to cover

• Top the cheeses with the pepperoni

• Cover

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

• Place the pasta into the oven and allow to cook for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly

• Remove the cover from the pasta

• Bake another 5 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted

• Remove and allow to cook for a few minutes

• Serve still hot

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elderly care services in Monroe, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.