Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 3 1/2 cups water
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1 cup 2% or 4% cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (If it’s a salt-free blend, add a pinch of salt)
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven and combine ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the marinara sauce, water, cottage cheese, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Add the spaghetti: Break the spaghetti noodles in half if needed to fit evenly into the baking dish. Press the noodles into the sauce mixture so they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bake the pasta: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the spaghetti is tender and cooked through.
- Stir and add mozzarella: Remove the dish carefully from the oven, stir the pasta well to combine, then spread the torn fresh mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Final bake and rest: Return the dish to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until the mozzarella has melted and is bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti noodles allows them to fit better in the baking dish and cook evenly.
- If your Italian seasoning is salt-free, add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Use 2% or 4% cottage cheese for creaminess without excessive fat.
- Letting the baked spaghetti rest after cooking helps the sauce thicken slightly.
- For a crispier top, switch to broil mode for 1-2 minutes after the final bake, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
