Healthy High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting and nutritious twist on a classic Italian favorite. Packed with lean ground turkey, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh vegetables, it’s an easy meal that satisfies without the guilt.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti (or penne)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup pasta water (reserved, as needed)
• 2 cups cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (chicken, or beef)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a blender, add cottage cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, similar to ricotta cheese.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or your preferred protein) and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then drain any excess fat.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with the marinara sauce. Stir in the cooked protein, fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and make it creamy and easy to mix.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir until all the noodles are evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or beef depending on your preference.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition and flavor.
• Use part-skim or whole milk cottage cheese depending on your desired richness.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground turkey and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein like cooked lentils or crumbled tofu to keep it hearty and nutritious.

Is cottage cheese a good substitute for ricotta?

Absolutely. Blending cottage cheese until smooth creates a similar creamy texture to ricotta, making it a high-protein and lower-fat alternative in baked pasta dishes.

Healthy High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 224 reviews

This Healthy High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a delicious, nutritious twist on classic baked pasta. Featuring lean ground turkey, creamy blended cottage cheese, and plenty of spinach and mushrooms, this recipe offers a lower-fat, high-protein alternative that’s perfect for a wholesome family dinner. The ziti is coated in a savory marinara and cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces ziti (or penne)
• 1 cup pasta water (reserved, as needed)
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Dairy and Cheese

• 2 cups cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Protein

• 1 pound lean ground turkey (or chicken, or beef)

Vegetables

• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, resembling the texture of ricotta cheese.
3. Cook the Protein: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey (or your choice of protein), season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with the marinara sauce. Stir in the cooked protein. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce, making it creamy and easy to mix.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture along with fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly so all the noodles are evenly coated.
6. Assemble the Baked Ziti: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
7. Bake: Place the assembled baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey with chicken or lean beef based on preference.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra mushrooms or other vegetables.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for perfect creaminess.
• Letting the baked ziti rest after baking helps to ensure easier slicing and serving.
• Use 2% or 4% cottage cheese for a creamier texture; low-fat versions may affect consistency.
• Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.

Keywords: healthy baked ziti, high protein pasta, cottage cheese baked ziti, lean ground turkey recipe, easy baked pasta, low fat dinner