1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
7. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by the cheese mixture, half of the meat sauce, and repeat the layers.
8. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Take a moment to savor the aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s like a warm hug from Nonna Rosa herself.