High Protein Cottage Cheese Ziti (Printable Version)
Wholesome baked ziti with protein-rich cottage cheese and lean meat, layered with mozzarella and parmesan.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Sauce
01 -
12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
02 -
2 cups marinara sauce
03 -
1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
→ High-Protein Cottage Cheese Mixture
04 -
2 cups 2% or 4% cottage cheese
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon dried basil
07 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
½ teaspoon salt
09 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Protein (Optional but Recommended)
10 -
1 pound lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef
→ Cheese
11 -
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 -
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Optional Add-Ins
13 -
1 cup fresh spinach
14 -
1 cup sliced mushrooms
15 -
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
02 -
Combine cottage cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, resembling ricotta cheese.
03 -
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked; drain excess fat if necessary.
04 -
In a large bowl, mix the blended cottage cheese with marinara sauce. Stir in the cooked protein. Add reserved pasta water gradually until the mixture is loose and creamy for easy coating.
05 -
Add cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and toss gently until the noodles are fully coated.
06 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with half the mozzarella cheese. Add remaining pasta and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
07 -
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce for better coating of noodles.