Description
Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting and creamy Italian-inspired pasta dish combining ziti pasta, cottage cheese, and a rich marinara sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this recipe features layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden cheesy crust, balanced with aromatic garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. It offers a nutritious, protein-packed twist on a classic baked pasta, with versatility for various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling the ziti pasta in salted water until it is just al dente. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
- Prepare the sauce base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, building the aromatic foundation for the sauce.
- Simmer the marinara: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Mix cheeses and pasta: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, cottage cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Gently fold in the warmed sauce mixture until everything is well-coated and creamy.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese on top to create a cheesy golden crust.
- Bake to perfection: Bake the ziti in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the cheese has melted and browned slightly on top.
- Let it rest: Remove from the oven and allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming soggy.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for maximum creaminess and flavor richness.
- Layer mozzarella both inside the mixture and on top for gooeyness and a luscious crust.
- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten and balance the richness.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent drying, then uncover to allow the cheese to brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti, creamy baked pasta, comfort food, Italian baked pasta, easy family dinner, cheesy pasta casserole
