Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is an absolute winner. This dish brings together tender penne pasta, vibrant green veggies, creamy cottage cheese, and a luscious tomato sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with a golden mozzarella topping. It’s a cozy crowd-pleaser that balances freshness and indulgence in every bite, making it a go-to weeknight favorite that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up this Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake? The ingredients here are refreshingly simple yet essential to building layers of flavor, texture, and color that will make this dish truly shine.

• 3 cups penne pasta, dry: Choose penne or any short pasta that holds sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• 2 Tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the garlic and veggies to tender perfection.
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that elevates every component.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh, crisp broccoli brings a lovely pop of green and a satisfying crunch.
• 3 cups baby spinach: This tender leafy green wilts down to add vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor.
• 2 cups cottage cheese, 2% MF: The heart of this bake, cottage cheese adds creaminess plus a gentle tang that enriches the sauce.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: Choose your favorite quality tomato sauce for a sweet and savory base.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts perfectly on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust that’s utterly irresistible.
• Salt + pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that brighten all the other flavors brilliantly.
• 5 large leaves fresh basil: Fresh basil adds an herbal, fragrant finish that ties everything together beautifully.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when your pasta mixture is assembled. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture after baking without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets, cooking them gently for about seven minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Toss in the baby spinach last and stir until it wilts, which brings a fresh, silky element to the dish. Then, remove the pan from heat to keep those vibrant flavors intact.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

In a generous baking dish, combine the cooked and drained pasta with the sautéed veggies, creamy cottage cheese, and savory marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then give everything a good stir until fully incorporated. This is the moment all those lovely textures and tastes start to marry into something truly special.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of your pasta mixture, covering it in a glorious blanket of cheese. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You want the cheese to melt completely and take on a gorgeous golden-brown color, bubbling up with mouthwatering appeal.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove your Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake from the oven and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil leaves. This simple garnish adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal note that beautifully complements the richness of the dish. Serve hot and watch it disappear quickly!

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like basil is my favorite way to lift the presentation and flavor, but you could also try a drizzle of good olive oil or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. A few shavings of Parmesan can add an extra touch of savory depth, transforming each serving into a little celebration on your plate.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads featuring tangy vinaigrettes to contrast the creamy pasta. Roasted vegetables or a simple garlic bread also complement the dish nicely, providing contrasting textures and flavors that round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, consider serving the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for single portions that look charming and encourage everyone to dig in right away. Alternatively, adding a colorful side of sliced heirloom tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts over the bake right before serving offers a creative visual and textural twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the leftover Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and textures, then simply reheat when ready to enjoy another comforting meal without extra effort.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake in advance, it freezes well. Assemble the bake but don’t do the final bake yet; cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through completely.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Alternatively, a microwave works fine for quicker meals, though the texture may be slightly softer than fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! While cottage cheese gives this bake its signature creaminess and tang, ricotta or even a blend of cream cheese and yogurt can be good substitutes, though they will slightly alter the texture and flavor.

Is this dish suitable for freezing after baking?

It’s best to freeze the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake before baking for optimal texture. Freezing after baking can cause the cheese topping to become a bit rubbery when reheated.

Can I add other vegetables to this pasta bake?

Definitely! You can toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes to customize the bake to your liking and add extra nutrients and colors.

What pasta shapes work best for this bake?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold the sauce and cottage cheese mixture well without becoming mushy in the oven.

How can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

To make the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake vegan, swap the cottage cheese and mozzarella for plant-based alternatives like tofu ricotta and vegan mozzarella. Use olive oil and check that your marinara sauce is free from animal products.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake a try because it strikes that perfect balance between simple homemade comfort and impressive flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this dish brings warmth, color, and deliciousness to your table with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you taste it baked to cheesy, veggie-packed perfection, you won’t want to let this recipe go from your regular rotation.

Print