High-Protein Greek Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chickpea ziti pasta (*I like Banza)
• 1 tsp Olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs Ground lamb
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 1 cup Diced yellow onion
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• 1 cup Chicken stock
• 1 28-ounce Canned tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups Cottage cheese
• 1 1/2 cups Crumbled feta
• 4 large Egg yolks
• 1 cup Grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup Whole milk
• pinch of ground nutmeg
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat an oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9X13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Strain and set aside.

3. 3

   Next, preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, ground lamb, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, fennel seed, salt, and pepper. Cook the lamb until browned about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Next, add the onions, pinch of cloves & cinnamon, chicken broth and tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a bubble and then reduce the heat to low to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the cooked ziti.

5. 5

   In a food processor add the cottage cheese, feta, egg yolks, milk, pinch of nutmeg, and ½ cup parmesan cheese. Process until smooth

6. 6

   Transfer the ziti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the top evenly and garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.