1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic.

4. Add the ground beef or ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed.

5. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

6. In a medium bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella until well combined.

7. In a large bowl, toss the cooked ziti with about two-thirds of the meat sauce.

8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.

9. Spoon the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it gently into an even layer.

10. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the meat sauce.

11. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella over the top.

12. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

13. Remove the foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

14. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired and serve.