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Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
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Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender ziti pasta with rich marinara sauce, a smooth blend of cottage cheese and mozzarella, and a golden Parmesan crust. This family-friendly, easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings and can be customized with veggies, meats, or dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz ziti pasta

Cheese Filling

  • 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil or Italian herbs (a handful), chopped

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-blended, ensuring the creamy base that will keep your baked ziti luscious.
  4. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese: Gently mix the cooked ziti with the tomato sauce and cheese filling, folding everything together so every bite has that perfect balance of creaminess and tangy tomato goodness.
  5. Assemble in a Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden finish once baked.
  6. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled ziti for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, lightly browned, and the whole dish is heated through.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the ziti; al dente pasta holds its shape well and absorbs sauce beautifully.
  • Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid watery baked ziti after baking.
  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture, but low-fat works fine too.
  • Let the baked ziti sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for a bright, fresh finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cottage cheese baked ziti, creamy baked pasta, family dinner, Italian casserole, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/cottage-cheese-baked-ziti/