Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
Blended cottage cheese creates a creamy protein packed pasta bake with easy gluten free option.
Servings: 8 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups (12 ounces) penne or other tube-shaped pasta gluten free if needed
- 1 pound (16 ounces) Italian turkey sausage (Note 1)
- 1 jar (23.75 ounces) pasta sauce (Note 2)
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese blended (Note 3)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese log sliced
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Optional Toppings: fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Minus 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian turkey sausage until no pink remains.
- Using an immersion blender, traditional blender, or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Set aside.
- Once the turkey sausage is cooked, add the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, blended cottage cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until combined.
- Add the drained pasta and stir until evenly coated.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or softened butter.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly throughout the pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Can be swapped with Italian sausage made out of pork
Note 2: Use your favorite pasta sauce. If following a low FODMAP diet, use a sensitive option.
Note 3: For ultimate creaminess use a full fat 4% cottage cheese. Lactose free cottage cheese will also work.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 8gSugar: 8g
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