Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Creamy, cheesy baked ziti with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan offers a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten eggs, and Parmesan cheese; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine hot cooked pasta and pasta sauce.
- In a 9x13 inch dish, spoon in half of the pasta mixture.
- Evenly top with the cheese mixture.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding ricotta cheese to the cheese mixture. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce instead of garden-style pasta sauce. For a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to include cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is best served hot from the oven, but you can also let it cool slightly for easier serving. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside sautéed vegetables or a classic Italian dish like Zucchini Casserole Italian. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the baked ziti in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; just cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheese Baked Ziti contains roughly 412 calories, with 21g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked ziti up to a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the baked ziti without baking it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, extend the baking time by about 15-20 minutes.
What can I substitute for ziti pasta?
If you don't have ziti pasta, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. The important thing is to use a pasta that can hold up to the sauce and cheese. You can also opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).