Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
A warm and comforting baked ziti dish featuring creamy cottage cheese, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of delicious cheeses, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta Cooked until al dente
- 4 cups marinara sauce Use quality marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups cottage cheese Creates a creamy texture
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve half for topping
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Reserve half for topping
Optional Proteins
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken or beef Add if desired
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing garlic
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For seasoning the sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt To taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To taste
Garnish
- to taste fresh basil leaves Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. If using chicken or beef, add it at this stage.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
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Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or using different cheese varieties. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to help it hold its shape.