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Close-up of High Protein Baked Ziti in a rectangular white ceramic baking dish with visible tomato chunks and parsley.

High Protein Baked Ziti with Blended Cottage Cheese

This High Protein Baked Ziti features a chunky tomato marinara, creamy blended cottage cheese for a protein boost, and bubbly mozzarella with toasted golden-brown spots. A delicious, macro-friendly family dinner ready in 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Primary Ingredients
  • 1 lb (454g) Ziti Pasta Boiled al dente
  • 2 cups (480g) Cottage Cheese Blended until smooth
  • 32 oz (907g) Chunky Marinara Sauce With visible tomato chunks
  • 2 cups (225g) Mozzarella Cheese Shredded, low-moisture
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Fresh Parsley Finely minced
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic Mincing

Equipment

  • 1 Rectangular white ceramic baking dish 9x13 inch
  • 1 Blender or Food Processor For smoothing the cottage cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil ziti in salted water for 2 minutes less than the box instructions. Drain.
  2. Place cottage cheese in a blender and process until completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add marinara and most of the blended cottage cheese. Stir to combine.
  4. Toss pasta with sauce. Layer half in the white ceramic dish, add dollops of remaining blended cottage cheese, then top with remaining pasta.
  5. Cover with mozzarella and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden spots appear.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use 4% milkfat cottage cheese for the best creamy texture.
Ensure you broil at the end to get those signature charred cheese spots.