Recipe at a Glance

Prep: 15 minutes  |  Cook: 35 minutes  |  Total: 50 minutes  |  Servings: 6  |  Category: Dinner  |  Calories: approximately 485 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

• It balances straightforward preparation with a special, homemade finish.
• It uses familiar grocery-store ingredients and flexible substitutions.
• It is well suited to sharing, meal planning, or a seasonal table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz dry ziti pasta
• 2 cups cottage cheese (4% milkfat)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Ingredient note: Measure everything before starting. Fresh ingredients, accurate oven temperature, and the right pan size make the finished dish more consistent.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil ziti in salted water until 2 minutes shy of package directions; drain.
3. Blend cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Stir pasta with marinara, spinach, and cottage cheese mixture; transfer to baking dish.
5. Scatter mozzarella over the top and cover loosely with foil. Bake 20 minutes, uncover, and bake 15 minutes more until bubbling.
6. Rest 10 minutes before serving so the creamy sauce settles.

Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

• Undercook the pasta slightly so it stays firm after baking.
• Blend the cottage cheese for a ricotta-like texture.
• Let the casserole rest before slicing.

Variations to Try

• Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.
• Use whole-wheat ziti for a nuttier bite.
• Fold in cooked ground turkey for a heartier dinner.

How to Store It

Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot throughout, or microwave individual portions. Freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in baked ziti?

Yes. Blended cottage cheese makes a smooth, mildly tangy filling; drain excess liquid first if it looks watery.

How do you keep cottage cheese baked ziti from getting watery?

Use thick marinara, drain the pasta thoroughly, and let the baked casserole rest for 10 minutes.

Can cottage cheese baked ziti be made ahead?

Assemble up to one day ahead, refrigerate covered, and add about 10 minutes to baking time if still chilled.

Serving Ideas and Recipe Success

For the best experience, serve cottage cheese baked ziti at the temperature described in the method and use the suggested resting or chilling time. The recipe works particularly well when you prepare toppings or garnishes before the final cooking stage. Taste and adjust seasoning where appropriate, and keep leftovers properly chilled. If cooking for guests, read through all the steps once before beginning so that every component is ready when needed.

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

A creamy, golden baked pasta made with blended cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and mozzarella.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz dry ziti pasta
• 2 cups cottage cheese 4% milkfat
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella divided
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups baby spinach chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish (for baking)
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Blender (for smoothing cottage cheese)
• Mixing bowl (for combining filling)

Method

 

1. Step 1: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Boil ziti in salted water until 2 minutes shy of package directions; drain.
3. Step 3: Blend cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir pasta with marinara, spinach, and cottage cheese mixture; transfer to baking dish.
5. Step 5: Scatter mozzarella over the top and cover loosely with foil. Bake 20 minutes, uncover, and bake 15 minutes more until bubbling.
6. Step 6: Rest 10 minutes before serving so the creamy sauce settles.
7. Tip: Undercook the pasta slightly so it stays firm after baking.

Notes

Blend the cottage cheese for a ricotta-like texture. Let the casserole rest before slicing.