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Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
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A creamy and delicious Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti that’s quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners. This comforting baked pasta combines tender ziti noodles with rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and a creamy texture provided by cottage cheese, making a nutritious and customizable dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces ziti pasta

Cheese

  • 15 ounces whole milk cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce & Aromatics

  • 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, typically one minute less than the package instructions to prevent mushiness during baking. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Mix in Cottage Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce mixture and the cottage cheese. Gently stir to ensure every noodle is coated with the creamy sauce.
  4. Assemble in a Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a beautiful golden brown.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set the layers before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use whole milk cottage cheese for creamier texture and better flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm to maintain texture after baking.
  • Let the dish rest after baking to make serving easier and to set the layers.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley added before serving brighten the flavor.
  • Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheeses for added richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti, baked pasta, creamy pasta bake, easy dinner, family meal, Italian comfort food, gluten-free option

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