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No Boil Baked Ziti That Actually Works (No Dry Pasta!)

A no boil baked ziti that actually cooks through—no dry pasta! Made with high-fiber pasta, chicken sausage, and a creamy cottage cheese twist. A heart-smarter comfort meal the whole family will love.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 7
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Brami pasta uncooked, no boil
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 12 oz chicken sausage sliced
  • 10 oz frozen spinach
  • 1 small zucchini diced
Cheese Layer
  • 1 cup cottage cheeese with chives
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella can reduce to 3/4 cup
  • 1/2 cup parmesan grated

Method
 

  1. 1. Preheat oven
    Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. 2. Cook sausage + aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Stir for 30 seconds, then add sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned.
  3. 3. Add vegetables
    Stir in frozen spinach and diced zucchini. Cook until combined (no need to fully cook through).
  4. 4. Mix sauce + broth
    In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce and chicken broth.
  5. 5. Assemble In a large baking dish:
    Add dry pasta
    Pour sauce mixture over
    Add sausage and vegetable mixture
    Dollop cottage cheese throughout
    Gently mix to ensure all pasta is coated and submerged.
  6. 6. Add cheese topping Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
  7. 7. Cover and bake
    Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  8. 8. Uncover and finish
    Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  9. 9. Rest before serving
    Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, make sure all pasta is fully coated and submerged in liquid before baking.
  • Using low-sodium broth and sauce helps control overall sodium.
  • If making ahead, add a splash of broth before baking.
  • You can add white beans or lentils for extra fiber and heart-health support

    Smart Heart Rating

    4 out of 5
    A balanced comfort meal with high-fiber pasta, leaner protein, and lighter dairy swaps. Sodium can be adjusted with lower-sodium ingredients.