Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic for 2 minutes. Add the ground turkey and seasonings, and cook until the meat is browned, about 8-10 minutes
3. Add marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes to the browned turkey. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and begins to bubble gently. Set aside.
4. In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, salt, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the cream cheese and cottage cheese have fully melted, about 5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is thick and creamy, about 3 more minutes.
6. Toss the cooked ziti with alfredo sauce and ⅓ of the meat sauce. Taste and add more salt if needed.
7. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer meat sauce, pasta, and shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 2 thick, even layers, ensuring each layer is fully covered with sauce and cheese.
8. Top with freshly shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack cheeses, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, golden top.
10. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil and parsley.
11. Enjoy!