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Healthy High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

A comforting and hearty baked ziti packed with protein from cottage cheese, blended with tender pasta and marinara sauce, and topped with melty cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese Mixture
  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  4. Add the drained ziti pasta to the cottage cheese mixture. Gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the ziti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Baking
  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
  1. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, serve warm, and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to substitute whole wheat ziti for added nutrition or use gluten-free pasta if needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-30 minutes.