If you love cheesy pasta, this recipe is for you! It is called Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti. It is soft, creamy, full of flavor, and very easy to make.
This dish is great for lunch or dinner. It is made with cottage cheese instead of ricotta, which makes it more healthy and high in protein. You can cook it in just one pan, so cleaning is also easy.
Let’s learn how to make this simple and tasty baked ziti step by step.
📝 Ingredients (Simple List)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Sausage (hot or sweet, no casing) – 500g (1 pound)
- Crushed red chili (optional) – ½ teaspoon
- Marinara pasta sauce – 5 cups
- Cottage cheese (full fat) – 1 cup (16 oz pack)
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Grated parmesan cheese – ½ cup
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup chopped
- Salt – as needed
- Black pepper – as needed
- Ziti pasta or any tube pasta – 1 packet (500g)
- Water – 2 cups
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 3 cups
👩🍳 How to Make Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). In a large pan, heat oil. Add sausage and cook until brown. Add red chili flakes if you like spicy food.
Step 2:
Add marinara sauce and a little salt. Let it cook for 10 minutes on low flame until the sauce becomes thick.
Step 3:
In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, garlic powder, half the parmesan, and half the parsley. Add salt and pepper. This will make the creamy filling.
Step 4:
Now add uncooked ziti pasta and 2 cups water into the same pan with the sauce. Mix well for 2 minutes on stove so pasta doesn’t stick.
Step 5:
Turn off the heat. Add half the cottage cheese mix and half the mozzarella cheese. Don’t over-mix — let the cheese stay in chunks inside the pasta.
Step 6:
Put the rest of the cottage cheese mix on top. Add remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Step 7:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Take it out when cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
Step 8:
Let it rest for 5 minutes. Add fresh parsley on top and enjoy!
🍽️ What to Eat With It
- Green salad
- Garlic bread
- Lemon water or mint drink
This recipe is heavy and filling, so no need for extra dishes.
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❓FAQs
1. Can I make this without sausage?
Yes! You can make it vegetarian. The cottage cheese still gives a great taste.
2. Can I use white cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes. Any melting cheese will work, but mozzarella is best for that stretchy texture.
3. Can I use boiled pasta?
This recipe uses uncooked pasta with water in the pan, but yes, you can use boiled pasta if you bake for less time.
4. How many people can eat this?
This recipe is enough for 6 to 8 people.
5. Can I store this in the fridge?
Yes! Store in a box for up to 5 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
⚠️ Disclaimer
All recipes on DailyRecipesBook.com are for general cooking use only.
Before trying this recipe, please note:
- If you have allergies to cheese, sausage, or gluten, please check the ingredients.
- If you are on a special diet, ask your doctor before trying.
- Cooking results may change based on your ingredients or oven.
- We are not responsible for any food allergy, mistake, or problem caused by this recipe.
By using this recipe, you agree to follow it at your own risk.
