Print

High Protein Baked Ziti with Lean Turkey and Cottage Cheese

Close-up of a square serving of high protein baked ziti layered with ricotta and baked cheese topping.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a comforting, protein-packed pasta bake using lean ground turkey and cottage cheese for a satisfying, fitness-friendly weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound whole wheat ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, and parsley. Mix well until fully combined. This is your high protein cheese layer.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce, and the cottage cheese mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra protein boost, you can mix 1 scoop of unflavored whey protein isolate into the cottage cheese mixture, ensuring it blends smoothly.
  • Use whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta to increase the fiber and protein content of this fitness meal prep pasta.
  • If you prefer a lower-fat option, substitute the cottage cheese with plain, non-fat Greek yogurt, though the texture will be slightly tangier.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/high-protein-baked-ziti/