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The Best Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese (Postpartum Ziti) Recipe

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4.4 from 77 reviews

This Best Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese recipe, also known as Postpartum Ziti, combines tender pasta with a rich Italian sausage tomato sauce and creamy cottage cheese mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a comforting, hearty baked casserole perfect for family meals or to nourish postpartum recovery with its balanced flavors and textures.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti (or penne/rigatoni if ziti is unavailable)
  • Olive oil, for cooking

Red Sauce

  • 1 pound mild Italian sausage
  • 5 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Cottage Cheese Mixture

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 pound cottage cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes

Topping

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • More chopped basil, for garnish after baking

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Make the red sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the mild Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Add the sugar and simmer the sauce gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the fresh chopped basil at the end and remove from heat.
  3. Prepare the cream mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together cold heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will slightly thicken the sauce and add richness.
  4. Mix the cottage cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of cubed mozzarella cheese. Stir until well blended.
  5. Combine pasta, sauce, and cream: Add the cooked pasta to the red sauce, then pour in the cream mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Dollop and spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and cottage cheese mixture evenly.
  7. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the casserole evenly with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cubes and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped basil before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use mild Italian sausage for a gentle flavor; swap with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • Cooking pasta al dente is crucial to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Cold cream mixed with cornstarch helps thicken the sauce without curdling.
  • If cottage cheese texture is too lumpy for your preference, blend briefly for creaminess.
  • Letting the baked ziti rest before serving allows the casserole to set for cleaner slices.
  • Fresh herbs add brightness—feel free to add more basil or even parsley as garnish.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/the-best-baked-ziti-with-cottage-cheese-postpartum-ziti-recipe/