High-Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is naturally suited to cottage cheese because the curds disappear into the layers of pasta, marinara and melted cheese as the casserole bakes. Spinach adds color and freshness, while Parmesan and mozzarella create the browned, bubbling top people expect from this kind of comfort food.
Cook the pasta slightly shy of al dente before assembling the dish so it finishes in the oven without becoming soft. Rest the casserole for a few minutes after baking so the portions hold together better.
Why Cottage Cheese Works in Baked Ziti
- Cottage cheese stands in for ricotta while adding a creamy texture and more protein to the filling.
- Spinach disappears easily into the cheese mixture, adding color without changing the comfort-food feel of the dish.
- Cooking the ziti just shy of al dente keeps the pasta from turning soft during the final bake.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan create the bubbling, browned top that makes baked pasta especially satisfying.
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups baby spinach chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F / 204°C and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti 2 minutes shy of package directions and drain.
- Mix cottage cheese, egg, half the Parmesan, spinach, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Toss pasta with marinara, then fold in the cottage cheese mixture.
- Transfer to the baking dish and top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbling and browned at the edges. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Undercook the Ziti on Purpose
Boil the pasta about two minutes shy of fully done. It keeps cooking in the oven as it absorbs marinara, so starting with al dente pasta helps the finished casserole keep distinct noodles instead of turning soft.
Cottage Cheese Works Differently From Ricotta
Mixing cottage cheese with egg, Parmesan and chopped spinach creates a creamy layer that sets as the ziti bakes. You do not need to puree it for this recipe; the curds soften into the casserole while the egg helps the filling hold together.
Give the Casserole a Short Rest
Five minutes on the counter makes a noticeable difference. The bubbling sauce settles, melted cheese firms slightly and portions come out of the baking dish more cleanly.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can assemble the ziti ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. A cold casserole may need a little longer in the oven, so judge it by a hot center and bubbling edges rather than the clock alone.
