Description
A delicious and healthy baked ziti recipe that uses cottage cheese for a protein boost, making it a satisfying and lighter comfort food option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound whole wheat ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (16 ounce) container low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. Cook pasta al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add lean ground meat and cook until browned; drain grease.
- 4. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- 5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 6. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- 7. In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Stir well.
- 8. Stir fresh parsley into the cottage cheese mixture.
- 9. Combine cooked pasta with meat sauce in a large bowl. Toss to coat.
- 10. Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- 11. Dollop spoonfuls of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
- 12. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture.
- 13. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, with extra Parmesan if desired.
- 14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- 15. Bake for 20 minutes.
- 16. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 17. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450-550 per serving (varies with exact ingredients)
- Sugar: Approx. 10-15g per serving
- Sodium: Approx. 700-900mg per serving
- Fat: Approx. 15-25g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-60g per serving
- Fiber: Approx. 6-10g per serving
- Protein: Approx. 30-40g per serving