1-First, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to get started on this Million Dollar Baked Ziti adventure. Cook 1 lb ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set it aside for the next steps. In a large skillet, cook 1¼ lb Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, drain the fat, and add 2 jars of spaghetti sauce for a quick simmer.

2-Next, in a large bowl, mix together 1½ cups cottage cheese, 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese at room temperature, ½ cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir the meat sauce and cooked pasta into this cheese mixture, then pour everything into your prepared baking dish. Top it off with the remaining 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

3-Finally, let it rest a bit and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like it’s that simple to whip up Million Dollar Baked Ziti! For added flair, think about including vegetables like onion or mushrooms as per the tips. If you’re looking for more pasta ideas, check out our vegetarian lasagna recipe for a meat-free twist.