why make this recipe
This baked ziti with cottage cheese is simple, warm, and filling. It uses cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter texture and good protein. The dish is easy to make for weeknight dinners or family meals.
introduction
This recipe mixes cooked ziti with cottage cheese and marinara, then bakes it with mozzarella and Parmesan until bubbly. It is forgiving and fast to prepare. For a simple side or breakfast idea to serve with it, try a small baked egg dish like baked cottage cheese eggs.
how to make Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the cottage cheese mixture until well coated.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Layer the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
While the ziti bakes, you can prepare a main meat or grill for a fuller meal, such as a simple grilled steak and sausage plate if you want a hearty pairing.
Ingredients :
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the cottage cheese mixture until well coated.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Layer the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
how to serve Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
Serve hot in bowls or on plates. Add a green salad or garlic bread. For a lighter bread option, try bagels made with cottage cheese, like these 4-ingredient cottage cheese bagels. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan.
how to store Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
- Cool the baked ziti to room temperature before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave in a covered dish.
- To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
- Do not overcook the pasta; cook to al dente so it holds up in the bake.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for richer taste, or low-fat to cut calories.
- Mix sauce and cheese well so pasta gets even coating.
- Let the baked ziti rest a few minutes so it sets and is easier to serve.
- Use fresh basil or dried Italian seasoning if you do not have fresh herbs.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more flavor.
- Swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer the classic texture.
- Use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti if needed.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other pasta types?
A: Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or shells work well. Cook them to al dente.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for a day. Bake when ready and add a few extra minutes.
Q: Is cottage cheese a good substitute for ricotta?
A: Yes. Cottage cheese gives a similar creamy texture and more protein. You can blend it if you want a smoother texture.
Q: Can I skip the Parmesan?
A: Yes. The dish will still be tasty, but Parmesan adds a salty finish.
Conclusion
This baked ziti with cottage cheese is easy, cozy, and feeds a crowd. For another take on this dish and a healthy version, see a similar recipe at Healthy Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese Recipe – The Protein Chef.
Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the cottage cheese mixture until well coated.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Layer the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.