Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
A cozy dish that perfectly marries comfort and flavor, featuring creamy cottage cheese and savory sausage in a delicious baked pasta.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed Delivers hearty depth.
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For a hint of heat.
- 5 cups store-bought or homemade marinara sauce Brings a vibrant tomato base.
- to taste Kosher salt Enhances flavors.
- 1 16 oz container full-fat cottage cheese Provides creaminess.
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder Adds an aromatic touch.
- 1 oz Parmesan, finely grated About 1/2 cup, divided.
- 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley For freshness and color.
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper For balance.
- 1 lb ziti, rigatoni, or other tube-shaped pasta Holds onto the sauce and cheese.
- 2 cups water For cooking the pasta.
- 12 oz low moisture mozzarella, shredded About 3 cups, divided.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the marinara sauce and salt to the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, garlic powder, half of the grated Parmesan, and half of the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the ziti and water to the skillet, stirring gently. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Fold in half of the cottage cheese mixture and half of the mozzarella.
- Dollop the remaining cottage cheese mixture over the pasta. Then, top it off with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs, adding vegetables like spinach, or mixing in different cheeses. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can also be frozen.