This high protein baked ziti is hearty, cheesy, and loaded with protein for a satisfying family dinner. Each serving delivers about 41 grams of protein thanks to lean ground meat, chicken or turkey sausage, and a cottage cheese–mozzarella filling.
Comfort Food Made Healthier
This baked ziti keeps the classic comfort-food flavors but boosts the protein without sacrificing creaminess or cheesiness. It’s filling, family-friendly, and simple enough for weeknights.
- High-protein: About 41 grams of protein per serving from lean beef, sausage, cottage cheese, and mozzarella.
- Family-friendly: Pasta, meat sauce, and melty cheese make it a hit even with picky eaters.
- Easy: Quick to assemble and forgiving to prepare—great for busy evenings.
- Great leftovers: Makes a generous batch and reheats well for lunches or dinners during the week.
Ingredients
Full ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Pasta: 1 lb ziti (penne, rigatoni, cavatappi, or fusilli also work).
- Lean beef + sausage: Lean ground beef (93% lean or higher) or ground turkey/chicken, plus Italian-style chicken or turkey sausage (raw with casings removed or fully cooked and chopped).
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and fresh basil to flavor the sauce.
- Marinara: Your favorite jarred sauce or a homemade tomato sauce.
- Cheeses: Mozzarella and parmesan for the topping and cheese layer.
- Cottage cheese: A high-protein substitute for ricotta—full-fat gives the creamiest result.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Variations
- High-fiber or high-protein pasta: Use protein-enriched pasta, chickpea or red lentil pasta, or whole wheat for extra fiber.
- Add vegetables: Stir in baby spinach or chopped kale, or sauté bell peppers with the onions for added veggies.
- Use ricotta: Replace cottage cheese with equal parts ricotta if preferred.
- Omit sausage: Skip the sausage and use more lean ground meat instead.
How To Make High Protein Baked Ziti
- Sauté: While the pasta cooks, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage and cook until no longer pink.
- Simmer: Lower the heat, add marinara, water, chopped basil, and seasonings. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the cheese layer: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, and seasonings; set aside. Reserve 1 cup mozzarella for the top.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and stir it into the meat sauce until evenly coated.
- Layer: In a deep 9×13″ baking dish, spread half the pasta and sauce. Dollop the cheese mixture over the pasta and smooth to cover as much as possible.
- Top and bake: Add the remaining pasta, sprinkle with the reserved mozzarella, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
How To Store
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly (about an hour) or thaw overnight and reheat until hot.
jamie’s tips
Recipe Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Follow package directions so the pasta stays firm after baking.
- Use a deep baking dish: Layers need depth—choose a deep 9×13″ or similar casserole dish for best results.
- Full-fat cottage cheese: Whole-milk cottage cheese yields a creamier cheese layer; low-fat versions will be less rich.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. If baking from chilled, lower oven to 375°F and bake 40–45 minutes until heated through.
More Healthier Pasta Recipes
Lightened Up Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The Best Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce (High Protein)
Alfredo Meatballs with Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce
Chicken and Orzo Bake (Dump and Bake!)
If you’ve made and loved this High Protein Baked Ziti, please leave a star rating and a comment below!
High Protein Baked Ziti
A healthy twist on classic baked ziti with plenty of protein from lean meat, sausage, and a cottage cheese–mozzarella filling.
Jamie N, Registered Dietitian
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef, or ground turkey/chicken
- 1/2 lb Italian ground turkey/chicken sausage, raw with casing removed or chopped fully cooked sausage
- 1 yellow onion, medium, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup basil, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Layer
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- 16 oz cottage cheese, full fat
- 1/2 cup parmesan
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- pinch of black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large deep skillet, heat oil over medium. Add garlic and onion and cook 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
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Add ground meat and sausage, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until meat is just done.
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Reduce heat, stir in marinara, water, basil, and seasonings. Simmer 10 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning.
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Meanwhile, combine cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl.
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Mix the drained pasta into the meat sauce until evenly combined.
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Spread half the pasta mixture in a deep 9×13″ baking dish. Dollop and spread the cheese layer, add the remaining pasta, and top with the remaining mozzarella.
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Bake 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 41g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate.
Food photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé.