Baked Ziti

cottage cheese

large eggs, lightly beaten

grated Parmesan cheese, divided

kosher salt

ziti or rigatoni

jar marinara sauce - I like Rao’s

chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

cracked black pepper

cornstarch

heavy cream

mozzarella cheese , cut into ¼-inch pieces

Cooked Italian sausage, optional – see directions below