This Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti gives a classic pasta bake a modern twist by swapping traditional ricotta for cottage cheese and building the dish in a single ovenproof skillet. Italian sausage simmers with marinara to create a rich, savory sauce, while cottage cheese and mozzarella add creamy layers and satisfying texture.
The pasta finishes in the oven, absorbing the sauce and developing golden, bubbly spots on top. Hearty, flavorful, and easy to portion, this dish supports sustainable weight loss habits by combining balanced ingredients with practical preparation. It is a satisfying option for dinner and works just as well for leftovers throughout the week.
Nutrition
703 Calories | 35g Fat | 55g Carbohydrates | 37g Protein | 5g Fiber
Per Serving
Serves 8
Ingredients
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 lb Italian Sausage, sweet or hot, casings removed
½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
5 cups Marinara Sauce, store-bought or homemade
Kosher Salt
1 (16oz) Container Cottage Cheese, full-fat
½ tsp Garlic Powder
1 oz Parmesan Cheese, finely grated (about ½ cup), divided
¼ cup Parsley, finely chopped, divided
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 lb Ziti Pasta, rigatoni, or other tube-shaped pasta
2 cups Water
12 oz Mozzarella Cheese, low-moisture, shredded (about 3 cups), divided
Directions
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Arrange a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. In a large, high-sided ovenproof skillet set over medium-high heat, heat the Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add the Italian Sausage and cook, breaking it into pieces, until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. If using, stir in the Crushed Red Pepper Flakes and cook another minute.
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Add the Marinara Sauce and season with 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 10 minutes.
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In a medium bowl, combine the Cottage Cheese, Garlic Powder, half of the Parmesan Cheese, and half of the Parsley. Mash the curds with a spatula or spoon as you stir. Season with additional Salt and Black Pepper to taste.
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Add the Ziti Pasta and Water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring so the pasta does not stick, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in half of the cottage cheese mixture and half of the Mozzarella Cheese.
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Dollop the pasta with the remaining cottage cheese mixture. Sprinkle the top with the remaining Mozzarella Cheese and Parmesan Cheese.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the pasta is tender, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is golden in spots, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with the remaining Parsley before serving.
Pro-Tips
- Use a well-seasoned marinara that you enjoy, as it forms the flavor base of the dish.
- If you like a little heat, include the optional Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or serve with a pinch of red pepper on the side.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra texture, broil the top 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking to encourage more browning.
Taking control of your nutrition starts with practical skills. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a blueprint for using what you have to create something nourishing and delicious. By incorporating simple, sustainable habits like this into your routine, you can build lasting skills that support your goals and simplify your busy life.
