Are you ready to whip up a dish that will have your family asking for seconds? I’m excited to share my recipe for Healthy Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese! This delightful meal is not only a hit with the family, but it’s also one of those easy pasta recipes that you can prepare in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a wholesome option that combines the comforting flavors of traditional baked ziti with a nutritious twist. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for 30-minute meals.
- Packed with protein from cottage cheese, making it a healthier alternative.
- Perfect for quick family dinners that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious Healthy Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Baked Ziti:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cottage cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Healthy Baked Ziti turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix in a bit of ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese.
- For a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Make sure to let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking before serving; this helps it set and makes for easier slicing.
How to Serve
This Healthy Baked Ziti is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine for a lovely evening treat. If you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas, this dish is sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
So there you have it! A delicious and nutritious Healthy Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese that’s perfect for any night of the week. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. It’s one of those creamy garlic pasta recipes that will have your family coming back for more. Happy cooking!
Healthy Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Pasta (Dry Weight) (Your choice of pasta)
Pasta Sauce
- 2.5 cups Pasta Sauce (Low sodium/sugar preferred)
Cottage Cheese
- 1.5 cups Cottage Cheese (Full, Reduced, or Fat Free)
Protein
- 10 ounces Cooked Protein (Lean Ground Beef, Turkey, Chicken, Vegetarian, etc.)
Mozzarella Cheese
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella Cheese
Egg
- 1 large Whole Egg
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
Black Pepper
- to taste Black Pepper (Your choice)
Parmesan Cheese
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, drain.
- Mix pasta sauce, cottage cheese, cooked protein, 1 cup mozzarella, egg, seasonings, garlic, pepper, and spices.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture.
- Grease a baking dish, layer ½ cup sauce, pasta mixture, ½ cup sauce, ½ cup mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden.
