Discover the ultimate baked ziti recipe with creamy cheesy cottage cheese Perfectly delicious for gatherings or cozy dinnerssatisfy cravings today
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz ziti pasta (or penne as a substitute)
2 cups marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
1 ½ cups cottage cheese (you can use ricotta cheese for a creamier texture)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg (optional, to bind the mixture)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until every piece of pasta is well coated in sauce and cheese.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, top it with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
Bake the assembled ziti in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden finish, broil for a few minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
