I love making this high protein cottage cheese baked ziti when I want a comforting, hearty meal that still feels balanced and nourishing. It has all the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic baked ziti, but I use blended cottage cheese instead of ricotta to increase the protein without sacrificing flavor or texture. This dish is filling, cozy, and perfect for both family dinners and weekly meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it delivers comfort food satisfaction while supporting my nutrition goals. The cottage cheese blends into a smooth, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with marinara and melted cheese. I also like how customizable it is, since I can change the protein, pasta, or vegetables depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge. It is easy to prepare, bakes beautifully, and reheats well, which makes it a reliable go-to meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
2 cups marinara or tomato basil sauce
1 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
2 cups cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef (optional but recommended)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
1 cup sliced mushrooms or zucchini (optional)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
I begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente, about one to two minutes less than the package directions. I reserve one cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Next, I add the cottage cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to a blender and blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If I am using meat, I cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, seasoning lightly and draining any excess fat.
In a large bowl, I combine the blended cottage cheese with the marinara sauce and cooked protein. I add a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce. I then stir in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated.
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). I spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, then add the remaining pasta. I finish with the rest of the mozzarella and all of the parmesan cheese. I bake the ziti for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 6 servings from this recipe.
Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, cook time is about 25 minutes, and the total time comes to around 40 minutes.
Variations
I make this dish vegetarian by skipping the meat or replacing it with lentils or plant-based crumbles. When I want extra protein and fiber, I use chickpea or lentil pasta. For more vegetables, I mix in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers. If I am craving heat, I add extra red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, I add a small splash of water or marinara to keep the ziti creamy, then warm it in the microwave or oven. I also freeze this baked ziti before or after baking for up to three months, wrapping it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
FAQs
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
I can use ricotta, but the protein content will be lower. Cottage cheese is what gives this recipe its high-protein boost.
Does the cottage cheese need to be blended?
I blend it to create a smooth, ricotta-like texture. If I do not mind a slightly chunky texture, I leave it unblended.
Can I freeze this baked ziti?
I freeze it often, either baked or unbaked, and it reheats well when properly wrapped.
What pasta shape works best?
I prefer ziti or penne, but any short pasta that holds sauce works well.
How do I keep the ziti from drying out?
I avoid overbaking and always add extra sauce or reserved pasta water if the mixture looks too thick before baking.
Conclusion
I keep this high protein cottage cheese baked ziti in regular rotation because it combines comfort, flavor, and nutrition in one satisfying dish. It is creamy, easy to make, and flexible enough to suit different preferences. Whenever I want a cozy meal that supports my goals without feeling restrictive, this baked ziti is the recipe I turn to.
High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a creamy, comforting pasta dish made with blended cottage cheese for extra protein, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and optional lean ground meat. It’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
2 cups marinara or tomato basil sauce
1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
2 cups cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
1 cup sliced mushrooms or zucchini (optional)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Blend cottage cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
If using meat, brown it in a skillet, drain excess fat, and season lightly.
In a large bowl, mix blended cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and cooked meat. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce.
Stir cooked pasta into the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, then half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta, mozzarella, and top with parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use plant-based crumbles or lentils to make it vegetarian.
Chickpea or lentil pasta adds even more protein and fiber.
Mix in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for extra nutrition.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months; reheat with a splash of sauce or water.
