Easy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and nutrient-packed veggies. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare, wholesome, and comforting. With sautéed broccoli and spinach, cottage cheese for extra creaminess, and a gooey layer of melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups dry penne pasta (or any short pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 5 oz or 142 grams)
- 3 cups baby spinach (tightly packed)
- 2 cups cottage cheese, 2% MF (500 grams or 17 oz container)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or any tomato sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. While waiting, chop the broccoli into florets and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets, and sauté for about 7 minutes, until the broccoli becomes tender.
Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Once the vegetables are done, remove the pan from the heat.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed broccoli and spinach, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
6. Bake the Dish:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
7. Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve the dish hot!
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Tips:
- If you want to add more protein to this dish, you can mix in cooked chicken, ground beef, or even sausage before baking.
- Cottage cheese not only adds a creamy texture but also boosts the protein content of this meal, making it more filling and nutritious.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is an easy, delicious, and wholesome dinner that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, hearty veggies, and melted mozzarella is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Enjoy!
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Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of creamy cottage cheese, tender penne pasta, and nutrient-packed vegetables like broccoli and spinach. The marinara sauce ties all the ingredients together, while the golden-baked mozzarella adds a rich and cheesy finish. It’s a comfort food that feels indulgent yet includes a healthy dose of veggies, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
3 cups dry penne pasta (or any short pasta shape)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets (about 5 oz or 142 grams)
3 cups baby spinach (tightly packed)
2 cups cottage cheese, 2% MF (500 grams or 17 oz container)
2 cups marinara sauce (or any tomato sauce)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt and pepper, to taste
5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, chop the broccoli into florets and mince the garlic.
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets, and sauté for about 7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
Combine:
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed broccoli and spinach, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve hot!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400