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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
