Creamy Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Creamy Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti baked until golden and bubbly in a white square dish with parsley garnish on FoodForYourGood.com — Creamy Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – a cozy pasta casserole with golden, bubbly cheese and layers of pasta, sausage, and cottage cheese.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food with a lighter, fresher twist. This recipe takes the classic baked ziti everyone loves and adds cottage cheese for an irresistibly creamy texture without the heaviness. With layers of tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and a trio of cheeses, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Because cottage cheese melts seamlessly into the ricotta mixture, it creates a luscious filling that perfectly balances every bite. Meanwhile, bubbling mozzarella on top adds that golden, stretchy finish we all crave. This baked ziti is hearty enough for a family dinner, yet elegant enough for serving guests.

Fun fact: baked pasta dishes have been a staple in Italian-American kitchens since the early 20th century, when immigrants adapted traditional recipes to American ingredients. Today, baked ziti remains a timeless favorite, and this cottage cheese version brings a fresh spin to the table. Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 medium onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente, 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

3. Build the flavor:
Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Mix the cheese layer:
In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta, egg, half of the parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Stir until smooth.

5. Assemble the ziti:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom. Add half the pasta, half the cheese mixture, and half the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat with the rest of pasta, cheese mixture, sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella.

6. Finish and bake:
Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more until golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish and serve:
Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Choose the right pasta: Ziti holds sauce beautifully, but penne or rigatoni can be used if needed. Their ridges also help capture cheese and sauce.
Balance the cheese blend: Cottage cheese lightens the dish while ricotta keeps it creamy. Using both ensures a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Make ahead friendly: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

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