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Close-up of baked ziti pasta showing the thick marinara sauce and marbled creamy blended cottage cheese with wilted spinach. (High Protein Baked Ziti)

High Protein Baked Ziti with Blended Cottage Cheese and Spinach

This High Protein Baked Ziti uses blended cottage cheese for a creamy, high-protein twist on the classic. Featuring vibrant marinara, wilted spinach, and bubbly charred mozzarella, it's a macro-friendly comfort meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

High Protein Baked Ziti Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) Ziti Pasta boiled al dente
  • 2 cups (450g) Cottage Cheese low-fat, blended until smooth
  • 3 cups (720ml) Marinara Sauce thick and vibrant red
  • 5 oz (142g) Fresh Baby Spinach wilted
  • 2 cups (225g) Mozzarella Cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil for sautéing
  • 1 tsp (5g) Garlic Powder
  • 2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Parsley finely chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch white ceramic baking dish
  • 1 High-speed blender Used to smooth the cottage cheese.
  • 1 Large Stockpot

Method
 

Prep and Boil
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the ziti in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté spinach for 60-90 seconds until bright green and wilted. Set aside.
Blend and Layer
  1. Place cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a blender. Process until silky smooth.
  2. Toss pasta with 2 cups of sauce. Layer half the pasta in a ceramic dish, dollop with half the cottage cheese and spinach, and swirl. Repeat with remaining pasta and sauce.
Bake and Garnish
  1. Top with shredded mozzarella. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese has golden-brown charred spots.
  2. Sprinkle heavily with finely chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Make sure to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to avoid a lumpy texture.
Keep a close eye on the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.