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Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
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Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make baked pasta dish that combines classic baked ziti flavors with a lighter twist from cottage cheese. This recipe features tender ziti pasta coated in a savory marinara sauce mixed with garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and a blend of cottage, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights, this dish is flavorful, protein-rich, and infinitely customizable to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb ziti pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

  • 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably whole milk)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Make the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent. Add the marinara sauce and dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
  3. Mix in the cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sauce and cottage cheese. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated and the mixture is creamy.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use whole milk cottage cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Slightly undercook the ziti pasta because it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly between layers for ideal melt and flavor balance.
  • Allow the baked casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
  • Fresh basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top after baking for a fresh, vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cottage cheese baked ziti, easy baked pasta, comfort food, Italian pasta casserole, family dinner, creamy baked pasta

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cottage-cheese-baked-ziti/