Description

This healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a high-protein meal, perfect for a satisfying dinner. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent and comforting, yet secretly packs a nutritional punch, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you need something hearty without a lot of fuss. If you’re looking for a simple, family-friendly recipe that delivers on flavor and nutrition, you’ve come to the right place. This pasta bake is designed to be straightforward, using readily available ingredients to create a satisfying meal that everyone at your table will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pasta, any shape (penne, ziti, rotini work well)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

1 large egg

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. 1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. While the pasta cooks, you can start on the sauce.

2. 2. Saute aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. 3. Simmer the tomato sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. 4. Prepare the cottage cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the large egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. This mixture will create the creamy, high-protein layer in your bake.

5. 5. Assemble the bake: Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about half of the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cooked pasta. Dollop spoonfuls of the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it gently. Layer with the remaining pasta, then cover with the rest of the tomato sauce.

6. 6. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. If you like a golden-brown top, you can briefly place it under the broiler for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.

7. 7. Rest and serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve neat portions. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: main dish
Method: bake
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: pasta bake, cottage cheese, high protein, comfort food, weeknight meal, family friendly, easy, healthy, dinner, baked pasta