Print

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Print Recipe

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting and creamy pasta casserole featuring tender ziti pasta, rich tomato marinara sauce, and a luscious cottage cheese filling. This easy, family-friendly dish offers a lighter twist on traditional baked ziti with its protein-rich cottage cheese, bubbling mozzarella, and a golden parmesan crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, it’s customizable with meats, veggies, or gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 cups cottage cheese (well drained)
  • 2 large eggs (optional, for binding)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings and Garnish

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly to prevent overcooking in the oven.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the well-drained cottage cheese, beaten eggs (if using), parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly blended to create a creamy, rich filling.
  4. Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large bowl, mix half of the cooked pasta with half of the tomato sauce mixture and half of the cottage cheese mixture. Spread half of this pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Dollop and spread the remaining cottage cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on the edges.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Notes

  • Drain cottage cheese thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to retain texture after baking.
  • Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavors in every bite.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for brightness.
  • Tent the casserole with foil initially to prevent over-browning, then uncover to brown the top.
  • For variations, add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or veggies like spinach and mushrooms.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute regular ziti with gluten-free pasta.
  • Prepare the dish a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake fresh for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cottage cheese, creamy pasta casserole, easy Italian dinner, family friendly pasta, gluten-free baked pasta

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