Ziti And Cheese Bake
A comforting baked pasta casserole featuring ziti, eggs, cottage cheese, and cheddar, offering creamy textures and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta until done; drain.
- Combine cooked pasta with beaten eggs, skim milk, cottage cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and ground pepper.
- Coat a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Put the combined ingredients into the dish and sprinkle with dry bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese, or mix in some mozzarella for extra flavor. You can also add cooked spinach or broccoli for a nutrient boost. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked pasta or leftovers from a previous meal. This dish can be prepared ahead and baked later for an easy weeknight dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This Ziti and Cheese Bake pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti And Cheese Bake contains roughly 386 calories, with 15g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. At about 386 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Ziti and Cheese Bake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ziti?
If you don't have ziti on hand, you can substitute it with any short pasta, like penne or fusilli. The cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to check for doneness during boiling.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef can be mixed in with the pasta and cheese for a heartier meal. Just make sure to fully cook the meat before combining it with the other ingredients.
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).