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High-Protein Baked Ziti

High-Protein Baked Ziti Recipe

Allan
This high-protein baked ziti delivers all the comfort and flavor of the classic Italian dish while packing nearly 50g protein per serving. The combination of ground chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and high-protein pasta makes it incredibly filling without being heavy. It’s easy, cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or family dinners. A true protein-lover’s comfort meal!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Meal Prep
Cuisine High Protein, Italian
Servings 8
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

Protein + Sauce

  • 1 lb 450g ground chicken breast
  • 2 cups 480g tomato sauce / marinara (no sugar added)
  • 1 medium onion diced (about 120g)
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
  • ¾ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper

High-Protein Cream Layer

  • 1 ½ cups 360g low-fat cottage cheese
  • ½ cup 120g non-fat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup 56g shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Pasta + Topping

  • 10 oz 280g high-protein ziti or penne
  • 1 cup 112g shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • ¼ cup 28g grated parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the high-protein pasta until barely al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly.
  • Add ground chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until lightly browned.
  • Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, mix well, and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and whisk until creamy.
  • Lightly coat your cooked pasta with a few tablespoons of the meat sauce.
  • Spread half the pasta into a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Spoon half the meat sauce over it.
  • Spread the entire cottage cheese mixture evenly on top.
  • Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining meat sauce.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbling.
  • Broil 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese.
  • Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm and enjoy a protein-packed, comforting meal.