Discover cottage cheese baked ziti right in your own kitchen. If you want a hearty, comforting meal that packs a protein punch, this high-protein dish is a friendly go-to. Cottage cheese not only keeps your ziti creamy, it also ups the protein content to help you meet those fitness or wellness goals. Ready to stir things up?
Gather your key ingredients
Before you turn on the stove, line up the following:
- 8 ounces of ziti pasta (whole wheat if possible)
- 2 cups of your favorite tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese (pick a brand you like)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reduced fat works great)
- Optional extras: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or chopped spinach
Short lists keep you organized, and once you have these ready, you’re well on your way to a wholesome, high-protein dinner.
Assemble your baked ziti
Now comes the fun part. Think of it like building layers of flavor:
-
Cook the pasta
Boil your ziti according to package directions. Drain well, but reserve a little pasta water if you want a slightly thinner sauce. -
Mix the cheeses
In a large bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in now. -
Layer in the sauce
Lightly coat your baking dish with cooking spray. Then spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. -
Combine and top
Add your cooked ziti to the dish, then pour the remaining sauce on top. Give everything a gentle stir to unite the pasta, sauce, and cheesy goodness. Sprinkle the last of the mozzarella, and if you like, add some Parmesan. -
Bake until bubbly
Pop the dish into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Enhance taste with extras
Want to bump up the flavor or protein even more? Here are a few ideas:
- Sauté lean ground turkey and fold it into the sauce.
- Toss in roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Finish with fresh basil or parsley for an herby twist.
You can fine-tune this recipe to suit your taste buds, so have fun experimenting with different combinations.
Store and reheat easily
Leftovers make a great next-day lunch or quick dinner. Once the casserole cools, slice it into portions and store them in airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the ziti looks dry, stir in a tablespoon of water or marinara before reheating.
Enjoy the protein boost
Following a high-protein eating plan doesn’t mean boring meals. Cottage cheese baked ziti delivers that comforting, cheesy taste you crave, while helping to keep you fuller for longer. It’s a perfect way to treat yourself after a workout or simply when you’re in the mood for a cozy, nutritious dish.
Go ahead and give this recipe a try. You’ll appreciate the creamy texture and flavorful sauce, and your body will enjoy the extra protein kick. Once you take that first bite, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made cottage cheese baked ziti sooner. Feel free to share how it turned out or any tweaks you made. Happy cooking!
High-Protein Diet Recipe for Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Ingredients
8 ounces ziti pasta (whole wheat if possible)
2 cups your favorite tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese (pick a brand you like)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reduced fat works great)
Optional extras: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or chopped spinach
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil your ziti according to package directions. Drain well, but reserve a little pasta water if you want a slightly thinner sauce.
- Mix the cheeses: In a large bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in now.
- Layer in the sauce: Lightly coat your baking dish with cooking spray. Then spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Combine and top: Add your cooked ziti to the dish, then pour the remaining sauce on top. Give everything a gentle stir to unite the pasta, sauce, and cheesy goodness. Sprinkle the last of the mozzarella, and if you like, add some Parmesan.
- Bake until bubbly: Pop the dish into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
