COTTAGE CHEESE PASTA BAKE (EASY HIGH PROTEIN CHEESY DINNER)
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and high-protein comfort dinner made with pasta, marinara sauce, cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella. A simple, satisfying baked dish perfect for busy nights.
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish
- Large pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta or any short pasta
Sauce Mixture:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 cups spinach fresh
- ground turkey cooked (optional protein boost)
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, marinara sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine:
- Mix cooked pasta with sauce mixture. Stir in spinach or cooked protein if using.
Assemble:
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve:
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- Blend cottage cheese for a smoother sauce texture.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.