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Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti: Comfort Food Made Healthy!

A wholesome twist on a classic, this Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is packed with protein and flavor, making it the perfect comfort food.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Adds richness and prevents sticking
  • 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage Substitute with ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter option
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional, adds heat
  • 4 cups marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust based on salt type
For the Cheesy Layer
  • 16 ounces full-fat cottage cheese Acts as a healthier substitute for ricotta
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances flavor
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Divided
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley Divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper For seasoning
For the Pasta and Topping
  • 1 pound ziti, rigatoni, or other tube-shaped pasta The main carbohydrate
  • 2 cups water Helps cook the pasta
  • 12 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, shredded Divided

Equipment

  • Ovenproof skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

How to Make Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a 2-inch deep ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, then add marinara sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and let meld for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Combine ziti pasta and water in the skillet, stirring gently. Let it simmer briefly for about 5 minutes.
  5. Fold in the cottage cheese, half the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well until combined.
  6. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  7. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Assemble baked ziti a day in advance and store in the fridge for easy meal prep.

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