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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
Cook Time 35 minutes
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.