This ziti bake feels cozy and comforting but is also packed with protein, thanks to the cottage cheese. The creamy cottage cheese brings a tangy surprise and makes the dish feel extra rich and satisfying. It is a warm hug in a baking dish that everyone will love.
This meal is simple enough for a busy evening, yet it brings a touch of special to your table. In about an hour and a little effort, you get golden cheese, soft pasta, and a rich sauce that taste like a happy celebration.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Italian sausage, sweet or hot, removed from its casing
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Marinara sauce, store bought or homemade
- Full fat cottage cheese
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped, divided
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- Ziti or similar tube shaped pasta
- Water
- Low moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
How to Make
- Preheat your oven to a high heat so the top gets a nice golden glow.
- Put some olive oil in a deep, oven safe skillet and cook the sausage until it is nicely browned. Add the red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer until it starts to thicken.
- In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with garlic powder, half of the Parmesan, and half of the parsley. Mash it gently so it becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the pasta and some water to the skillet. Stir until the pasta and sauce are well mixed and the water has helped create a bit of sauce.
- Take the skillet off the heat and gently fold in half of the cottage cheese mixture and half of the mozzarella. This makes little pockets of creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges look beautifully golden.
- Let it rest a bit before serving so the flavors settle and the pasta feels just right.
Protein in Each Main Ingredient
- Italian sausage: about 20 to 25 grams of protein per 100 grams
- Cottage cheese: about 12 grams of protein per 100 grams
- Parmesan and mozzarella cheese add some protein too, though in smaller amounts
- Ziti pasta itself has a bit of protein, around 7 to 8 grams per cup cooked
This dish gives you a hearty dose of protein from multiple sources so it fills you up and tastes amazing.
Disclaimer
This recipe is meant for home cooking joy and everyday meals. It is not a guide for medical or dietary advice. If you have dietary needs, allergies, or health concerns, please talk to your doctor or a nutrition expert before enjoying new recipes.
