Description
This high-protein, incredibly creamy baked ziti is a superior alternative to traditional ricotta-based pasta. By using small-curd cottage cheese, this dish achieves a luscious, consistent texture that perfectly complements the savory marinara and melted mozzarella. Perfectly hearty and satisfying, this Italian-American casserole is designed for busy weeknights, offering a balanced, comfort-food experience that keeps the noodles firm and flavorful through the baking process.
Ingredients
16 oz Ziti pasta
24 oz Marinara sauce
16 oz Cottage cheese (small curd)
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/4 cup Fresh basil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until just before al dente.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool for two minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan.
Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
Fold the cheese mixture into the pasta and sauce blend.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top.
Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if preferred. Shredding your own mozzarella from a block results in better melting compared to pre-shredded bags.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg