Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake: Quick Meal (Print Version)
Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake is a quick, satisfying meal. Enjoy a high-protein, cheesy pasta dish that's easy to prepare for any weeknight.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Pasta Foundation
01 -
12 oz short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Creamy Protein Core
03 -
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese (2% milkfat)
04 -
2 large eggs
05 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
→ Savory Sauce & Garden Fresh
07 -
1 tbsp olive oil
08 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
24 oz jar marinara sauce
11 -
5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
12 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
13 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Golden Topping & Garnish
15 -
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
16 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz short pasta (such as penne or rotini) according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese (2% milkfat), 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This forms the creamy protein core of your Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake | Quick & Satisfying Meal.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Pour in 24 oz jar marinara sauce. Add 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.
05 -
Add the cooked pasta and the cottage cheese mixture to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and combined. Transfer this delicious mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. This is the heart of your Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake | Quick & Satisfying Meal.
06 -
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden. For the best Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake | Quick & Satisfying Meal, let it rest briefly.
07 -
Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake | Quick & Satisfying Meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
03 -
This bake pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
04 -
For an even creamier texture, you can blend half of the cottage cheese with the eggs before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Mixing bowls
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Cutting board
08 -
Knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 719 kcal
Total Fat: 27 g
Total Carbohydrate: 81 g
Protein: 45 g