High Protein Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese

High protein baked ziti on a spatula in a baking dish.

5 from 1 vote

High Protein Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese

High Protein Baked Ziti with cottage cheese, ground turkey, baked in hearty marinara and topped with bubbly cheese. This healthier ziti packs 40 grams of protein!

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Resting Time10

Total Time1

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 544kcal

Author: Olena Osipov

Ingredients

16 ounces ziti pasta
1 medium onion finely chopped
1 pound ground turkey or extra lean ground beef
2 teaspoons oil for frying
23 ounces marinara sauce I love Rao's
16 ounces cottage cheese
1 cup milk
2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
2 tablespoons basil or parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Cooking spray I use Misto

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 F and spray bottom and sides of large 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large pot, add water and bring to a boil. Add salt and pasta, cook until very al dente. You want pasta undercooked. Drain and return to the pot.
In a blender, add cottage cheese and milk, process until smooth. Set aside.
Preheat large non-stick skillet and swirl oil to coat. Add onion and saute for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add ground turkey and saute for 7 minutes, stirring and breaking into small pieces. Turn off heat.
Add marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, blended cottage cheese and stir to combine. Pour over pasta in a pot and gently stir.
To the baking dish add half of the pasta and level with the spoon, sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Add remaining pasta, level and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. I recommend to possibly place baking dish on top of baking sheet to avoid splatters.
Remove from the oven and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with basil.
Serve hot with favorite side salad and crusty bread.

Notes

Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a bit of water or broth until heated through.
Freeze: I do not love to freeze pasta because it changes texture but you can, if you wish. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition