Looking for a healthy pasta dish that’s high in protein, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner? This cottage cheese baked ziti delivers all the comfort of a creamy, cheesy classic—without the heaviness of traditional versions. It’s a one-pan wonder that blends wholesome ingredients, protein-rich cottage cheese, and perfectly baked ziti into a dinner the whole family will love.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick weeknight win, this cottage cheese baked ziti is the high-protein pasta recipe you’ll make on repeat. Ready in under an hour and packed with flavor, it’s everything you want from a comfort food—just lighter, cleaner, and better for you.
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Why Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti Is the Ultimate One-Pan Dinner
A High-Protein Twist on Classic Baked Ziti
I grew up eating baked ziti with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce—it was indulgent and comforting, but let’s face it, not exactly light. When I began cooking more nutritious meals, I experimented with using cottage cheese instead. That’s how this cottage cheese baked ziti recipe was born—and it quickly became a staple in our home.
With over 14 grams of protein per ½ cup, cottage cheese brings a creamy texture and major nutrition upgrade. Combined with lean ground beef or turkey, it turns ziti pasta into a balanced, high-protein dinner. A handful of shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a good Italian seasoning blend bring it all together.
This cottage cheese baked ziti isn’t just a substitute—it’s better. Lighter on fat, richer in protein, and just as satisfying as the original.
Already a fan of comforting casseroles like our Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake? Then this one absolutely belongs on your dinner rotation.
One-Pan Simplicity With Comfort Food Flavor
The beauty of this baked ziti lies in how easy it is. After boiling your favorite pasta, you mix the rest of the ingredients—like the cottage cheese mixture, your cooked protein, and flavorful tomato sauce—in a single bowl. Pour everything into one baking dish, top it with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling.
This cottage cheese baked ziti reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or weekly meal prep. It’s a crowd-pleaser with balanced macros that won’t weigh you down.
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High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a one-pan comfort food dinner with over 25g protein per serving. A healthy twist on traditional baked ziti, it’s made with lean protein, tomato sauce, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and herbs.
Ingredients
8 ounces pasta (dry weight)
2 ½ cups pasta sauce (low sodium/sugar preferred)
1 ½ cups cottage cheese (full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free)
10 ounces cooked protein (ground turkey, beef, chicken, or vegetarian)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large whole egg
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp minced garlic
Black pepper (to taste)
3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook your protein with Italian seasoning, garlic, and black pepper.
4. In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, and parmesan until creamy.
5. Add cooked pasta, cooked protein, and pasta sauce into the bowl. Mix until combined.
6. Layer half of the mixture in the baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella.
7. Add remaining mixture and top with rest of mozzarella and parmesan.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can use gluten-free or chickpea pasta to lower carbs.
Vegetarian? Replace meat with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave or bake at 350°F until warm.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
What You’ll Need for Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Key Ingredients That Power the Protein
This cottage cheese baked ziti is loaded with delicious, nutritious ingredients that work together to deliver high protein, lower fat, and serious comfort. Here’s what you’ll need to build the perfect bite:
- Ziti or pasta of choice (8 oz dry): Use traditional ziti, penne, or a protein-enhanced pasta for an even better macro ratio.
- Pasta sauce (2 ½ cups): Choose a low-sodium, no added sugar variety for a healthier option. Marinara or classic tomato sauce both work beautifully.
- Cottage cheese (1 ½ cups): This is the secret to making your baked ziti creamy and rich—without the fat of ricotta or cream.
- Cooked protein (10 oz): Lean ground beef, turkey, shredded chicken, or vegetarian sausage crumbles are all great choices.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Use part-skim for melt and flavor while keeping it lighter.
- Parmesan cheese (3 tbsp): Adds saltiness and depth to the baked top layer.
- Whole egg (1 large): Helps bind the cottage cheese mixture into a smooth filling.
- Minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper are key staples that enhance and deepen the dish’s overall flavor.
Pro Tip: If you liked our baked penne with cottage cheese, this ziti version gives you the same creamy satisfaction with even more flexibility in protein and sauce choices.
Substitutions & Smart Swaps
This cottage cheese baked ziti recipe is highly versatile and easy to customize. You can tweak it for dietary needs or whatever you have on hand:
- Pasta: Swap in gluten-free, chickpea, or lentil pasta for extra fiber and fewer carbs.
- Cottage cheese: Use full-fat for more richness, or fat-free to keep it extra lean. Don’t worry—it still melts into the ziti beautifully.
- Protein: For a meatless option, try lentils or plant-based crumbles. For more flavor, use spicy Italian sausage.
- Cheese: Add a little goat cheese for tang, or substitute shredded cheddar for a sharper bite.
Want to sneak in veggies? Toss in some sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms before baking. We love pairing this version with inspiration from our Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake for extra balance.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Simple Steps to Creamy, High-Protein Pasta Perfection
Making cottage cheese baked ziti is surprisingly easy and totally worth it. The dish comes together in just a few quick steps and finishes off in the oven while you get the rest of dinner—or your feet—off the ground.
Here’s exactly how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized pan.
- Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook your protein in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning to boost the flavor. Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, garlic, parmesan, remaining Italian seasoning, and a little black pepper. Mix well to form the cheesy base.
- Add the pasta and cooked protein into the bowl with the cheese mixture. Pour in the pasta sauce and gently stir to combine everything evenly.
- Transfer half the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the rest of the mixture, smooth the top, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and a bit more parmesan for a crisp baked top.
- Then, loosely cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
If you’ve tried our baked ziti with cottage cheese and spinach, you’ll recognize the similar creamy layering process. But this one adds even more protein to every bite.
Serving Suggestions & Customizations
Serve your cottage cheese baked ziti hot, garnished with fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. It pairs beautifully with:
- A light green salad
- Roasted garlic broccoli
- Or a side of toasted low-carb bread
Want to mix it up next time?
- Swap marinara for tomato cream sauce
- Add sautéed spinach or zucchini
- Use spicy Italian sausage for deeper flavor
However you make it, this baked ziti recipe is a go-to dinner winner—and easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd.
Health Benefits & Storage Tips for Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Why This Baked Ziti Is a Smarter, High-Protein Dinner
Unlike traditional baked ziti loaded with ricotta and heavy cream, this cottage cheese baked ziti lightens things up without sacrificing flavor. Thanks to the power of cottage cheese, you’re getting a dish that’s high in protein, lower in saturated fat, and packed with calcium and B vitamins.
Let’s break it down:
- High in Protein: With cottage cheese, mozzarella, and your choice of lean protein like ground beef or turkey, each serving delivers 25–30g of protein—great for satiety and muscle support.
- Lower Fat Option: Swap in reduced-fat cheese versions or use turkey sausage for less fat than traditional recipes.
- Customizable Macros: You control the pasta, protein source, and sauce. That means it’s easy to make it low carb, higher protein, or fit into a macro-friendly meal plan.
Plus, this healthy baked ziti sneaks in bonus nutrients if you add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. It’s comfort food you can feel great about.
And by swapping ricotta for cottage cheese, which is lower in fat and higher in protein, you’re not just saving calories—you’re making a smarter nutritional choice. Cottage cheese offers a range of health benefits, including calcium, B vitamins, and muscle-building protein, making it a powerful upgrade in baked pasta recipes.
How to Store, Reheat & Freeze Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
One of the best things about cottage cheese baked ziti? It stores like a dream.
Refrigerator:
- Place any leftovers in a sealed airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Rewarm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for a quicker option.
Freezer:
- Cool the baked ziti completely before freezing.
- Cut into individual portions or freeze the entire pan, tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap.
- For reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Pro Tip: For freezer meals, undercook the pasta by 1–2 minutes before assembling the dish. That way, your ziti doesn’t get mushy when reheated.
This makes it perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. You can easily double this cottage cheese pasta bake and freeze half for later. It’s a time-saver, budget-friendly, and keeps dinner stress-free during busy weeks.
Discover the full Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti recipe on Pinterest — packed with flavor, protein, and comfort in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti
Can cottage cheese replace ricotta in baked ziti?
Definitely. It’s an excellent alternative, offering fewer calories, lower saturated fat, and higher protein content. Although ricotta provides a creamier texture, cottage cheese becomes nicely smooth when baked and integrates well into sauces.
Will cottage cheese melt in pasta?
Yes! Cottage cheese melts surprisingly well when baked in pasta. It softens and mixes with the other ingredients, giving your cottage cheese baked ziti a rich and creamy texture without needing heavy cream or full-fat cheese.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions. You can also freeze it in individual slices for up to 3 months. Be sure to label your freezer container with the recipe name and date.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Just swap the cooked protein (like ground beef or turkey) for a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms. The cottage cheese and mozzarella will still give you a satisfying texture and high-protein profile.
Which is healthier, ricotta or cottage cheese?
Both have benefits, but cottage cheese is generally considered healthier due to its higher protein and lower fat content. It’s also a great choice if you’re watching calories or following a low-fat, high-protein meal plan.
Can cottage cheese go in the oven?
Yes! Cottage cheese is completely safe to bake. In this cottage cheese baked ziti recipe, it transforms into a creamy filling once heated. Just be sure it’s mixed well with your other ingredients to avoid curdling.
Should baked ziti be covered when baking?
For best results, cover your baked ziti with foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture. Uncover it in the last 10–15 minutes so the top gets golden and slightly crispy from the melted mozzarella and parmesan.
How to prevent cottage cheese from curdling in pasta sauce?
To prevent curdling, mix the cottage cheese with an egg and seasonings before combining it with hot pasta or sauce. This stabilizes the texture. Also, avoid adding cold cottage cheese directly into boiling sauce—temper it first by stirring with a small amount of the warm mixture.
Why Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu
If you’re searching for a wholesome, hearty, and protein-packed pasta dinner that still hits every cheesy, comforting note—this cottage cheese baked ziti is it. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with ingredients you can feel good about serving your family. Unlike traditional versions loaded with fat and calories, this recipe brings balance by using cottage cheese, lean protein, and smart seasonings.
What sets this baked ziti recipe apart is its ability to deliver creamy texture and rich flavor with minimal effort. It stores well, freezes beautifully, and can be customized endlessly with vegetables, spice blends, or different sauces. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this one-pan wonder checks every box.
If you’ve loved recipes like our baked ziti with cottage cheese and spinach or Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake, this dish makes a perfect addition to your dinner rotation.
So next time you’re craving something warm, filling, and satisfying, skip the ricotta and give this cottage cheese baked ziti a spot at your table. Your taste buds—and your macros—will thank you.