Go Back
–+ servings
Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake: A Cozy Family Favorite

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a nutritious, high-protein dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Bake
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Can substitute with rigatoni or farfalle
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be swapped with any cooking oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic flavor
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Can substitute with zucchini or bell peppers
  • 4 ounces Baby Spinach Kale can be used as a substitute
  • 2 cups Cottage Cheese (2% MF) Can use ricotta cheese as a substitute
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce Use your favorite tomato sauce
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheddar can be used for a twist
  • to taste Salt + Pepper Essential seasonings to enhance flavor
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Optional garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • skillet
  • baking dish
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil a large pot of water, chop broccoli into florets, and mince garlic.
  2. Add penne pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, add garlic and broccoli, and sauté for 7 minutes.
  4. Toss in baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. In a baking dish, combine drained pasta, sautéed vegetables, cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and seasoning. Mix well.
  6. Spread mixture evenly in the dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Blend cottage cheese with marinara for creamier texture. Cook pasta al dente and adjust seasonings to taste. Consider using a mix of cheeses for more flavor depth.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!