Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and oregano for 60 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the marinara sauce and simmer on low for 5 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Fold in the cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and garlic powder until the mixture is velvety and uniform.
  5. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce across the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.
  6. Lay 3-4 noodles across the sauce.
  7. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and another layer of meat sauce.
  8. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and a thick layer of mozzarella.
  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.