Experience the ultimate comfort with this protein-packed twist on a classic Italian-American favorite. By blending creamy cottage cheese, we achieve a luxurious, velvety texture that binds perfectly to tender ziti noodles, offering a healthier alternative to traditional ricotta bakes. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and sharp parmesan, this golden-brown pasta dish is the perfect crowd-pleasing meal for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality flavor straight from your oven.
1 lb Ziti Pasta
16 oz Cottage Cheese (small curd, full-fat)
24 oz Marinara Sauce (low-sugar)
2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (freshly shredded)
0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1/4 cup Fresh Basil (for garnish)
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Mix the blended cottage cheese with half the marinara sauce and half the parmesan in a large bowl.
Combine the cooked ziti with the cheese mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and top with the remaining marinara and the shredded mozzarella.
Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Use penne as a substitute for ziti if needed. Ensure the cottage cheese is fully blended for the smoothest possible sauce texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://itisrecipes.com/cottage-cheese-baked-ziti/