Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
This version is perfect for nights when you want something filling but still want to keep things on the lighter side.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Skillet or Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (9x13-inch)
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Foil
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layer
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
For Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, usually about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t overcook it here because it will continue cooking in the oven later.
- Pro tip: Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until it starts to brown, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes so the flavors can blend.
- Pro tip: Let the sauce simmer gently—don’t rush this step. That short simmer is what makes it taste richer and more homemade.
Step 3: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.
- This mixture should look thick but spreadable.
- Pro tip: Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the texture too loose.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta into the meat sauce and gently stir until every piece of pasta is coated.
- Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed so every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Layer the Ziti
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture on top.
- Spoon and spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over it, then repeat with the remaining pasta and cottage cheese mixture.
- Finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top.
- Pro tip: Spread each layer gently so you don’t mix everything together—you want those distinct, cheesy layers when you slice into it.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
- Pro tip: Resting is key—this helps the layers firm up so you get clean, beautiful slices instead of a runny scoop.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 380–450 kcal
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbohydrates: 35–40g
- Fat: 15–18g
- Saturated Fat: 7–9g
- Fiber: 3–5g
- Sugar: 6–8g
- Sodium: 600–800mg