Healthy High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
A nutritious twist on classic baked ziti featuring creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, and savory marinara, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups cottage cheese Rich in protein
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 whole egg Acts as a binder
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
Garnish
- as needed fresh basil Optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and pour in marinara sauce. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For lactose-free options, substitute cottage cheese with cashew cream or drained ricotta. Ensure pasta water is salted for enhanced flavor.