Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
A comforting baked ziti recipe featuring creamy cottage cheese, a hearty pasta base, and a delicious blend of cheeses, perfect for family meals or potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey optional
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- If using meat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the meat sauce over the pasta mixture and stir until well combined.
Baking
- Transfer the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!
Notes
For serving, consider adding a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can customize it with vegetables, different cheeses, or make it vegetarian. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days, or freeze for longer storage.