Hey there, pasta lovers!
Are you in the mood for a cozy, comforting dish? I’ve got a real treat for you today.
Let me introduce you to my cottage cheese ziti!
It’s creamy, cheesy, and way easier to make than you might think.
Perfect for dinner or even meal prep for the week!
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 55-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 70-80 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry pasta (ziti or preferred type)
- 1.5 cups favorite sauce
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese
- 10 ounces cooked lean protein (ground beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 large whole egg
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup favorite sauce (for layering)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (for layering)
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces of dry pasta (such as ziti) for about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest.
The pasta should be soft but still have some firmness (al dente).
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: 1.5 cups of your favorite sauce, 1.5 cups of cottage cheese, 10 ounces of cooked lean protein (such as ground beef, turkey, or chicken), 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1 large whole egg, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and a little pepper along with any additional seasonings or herbs you prefer.
Mix all these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce Mixture
After draining the cooked pasta, add it to the mixing bowl with the sauce and protein mixture.
Gently mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
Spread half a cup of your favorite sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
Then, add the pasta mixture to the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top the pasta with another half cup of sauce, followed by half a cup of mozzarella cheese and 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes.
Step 6: Finish Baking and Serve
After 45 to 50 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely colored and bubbly.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious baked pasta dish!
