100 minutes
A creamy and rich baked ziti dish made with cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and mozzarella, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ziti Pasta
0 lb
tablespoons
to taste
each
Parmesan Cheese, Grated, grated
cups
tablespoons
Garlic Cloves, Minced, minced
each
0 oz
0 oz
teaspoons
Fresh Basil, Chopped, chopped
cups
teaspoons
teaspoons
cups
Whole-Milk Mozzarella Cheese, Cut Into ¼-inch Pieces, cut into ¼-inch pieces
cups
1. Cook Ziti
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a tablespoon of salt. Cook the ziti for just 5 to 7 minutes, making sure it’s slightly undercooked. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Prepare Cottage Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan until smooth. This mixture will add a creamy richness to the dish.
3. Make Tomato Sauce
In a 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the minced garlic for about 3 minutes, until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors. Stir in ½ cup of the chopped basil and the sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Cheese and Sauce Mixture
In a large pot, mix the cornstarch with the heavy cream, stirring constantly over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup of the tomato sauce, and ¾ cup of the mozzarella. This combination of cheese and sauce ensures every bite is flavorful and rich.
5. Combine Pasta and Mixture
Add the cooked pasta to this mixture and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan. Cover the dish with aluminum foil that has been sprayed with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
7. Bake Ziti
Bake the casserole in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the baked ziti cool for about 20 minutes before serving, which helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh basil on top for a burst of freshness.
Swap half of the cottage cheese for ricotta to add a creamier texture. Mix in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Add a layer of sliced or shredded provolone for a stretchy, melty bite.
Play with different cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, or smoked gouda for a different cheese profile each time.
Brown some Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even spicy chorizo and mix it into the sauce. Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken for added protein. For a vegetarian option, consider sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant.
Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage to the tomato sauce for a hearty protein boost. Vegetarians can opt for lentils or a meat substitute.
Layer in some spinach, kale, or chard for a green boost. Include roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor. Add caramelized onions or sautéed leeks for depth.
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