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Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheesy Baked Ziti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g ziti (or penne/rigatoni) if ziti isn’t available
  • 450 g sweet Italian sausage
  • 5 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 large can (800 g) tomato sauce
  • 1 small can (410 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 450 g cottage cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 cup cubed mozzarella
  • 1 cup cubed mozzarella (for topping)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan (for topping)
  • to taste fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish (about 23x33 cm)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and prepare a deep baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti for 5-7 minutes until just shy of soft. Drain and toss with olive oil.
  3. In a skillet, brown the sweet Italian sausage, then add garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; cook for a minute.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then simmer for 10 minutes; finish with sugar and fresh basil.
  5. In a saucepan, whisk cold cream and cornstarch, then heat until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
  6. Mix cottage cheese, eggs, parmesan, and mozzarella in a bowl, then combine with thickened cream and a cup of marinara; toss with cooked pasta.
  7. Spread the mixture in the baking dish, top with remaining sauce and cheeses. Cover with foil.
  8. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for another 25. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
  9. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Try using ground beef or turkey instead of sausage for a milder taste. You can also replace cottage cheese with ricotta if preferred. For a lighter option, use low-fat cottage cheese and add some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw before baking! Serve with garlic bread or a side salad to complete the meal. Enjoy!
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