Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, and pressed garlic until smooth and creamy.
In the same pot, mix the drained penne with your favorite pasta sauce until well coated.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, half of the cheese mixture, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
