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Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

A hearty and healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake featuring tender penne pasta, sautéed broccoli and spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. This easy-to-make baked pasta dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that combines wholesome ingredients with rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 3 cups penne pasta, dry (or other short pasta shape)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (about 5 ounces or 142 grams)
  • 3 cups baby spinach (tightly packed, about 3 large handfuls)
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce

  • 2 cups cottage cheese, 2% MF (500 gram or 17 ounce container)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (or other tomato sauce)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Oils and Seasoning

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 5 large fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, chop the broccoli into florets and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta once done and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and broccoli florets, sautéing for about 7 minutes until broccoli is tender yet crisp. Add the baby spinach and cook just until wilted, then remove the pan from 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 thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
  5. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of the combined pasta mixture, ensuring full coverage for a golden crust.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted and developed a nice golden-brown color on top.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the top for a fragrant, fresh finish, and serve hot. Enjoy your wholesome Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake!

Notes

  • You can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes such as rigatoni or fusilli.
  • For a creamier bake, mix some shredded mozzarella into the cottage cheese before combining with pasta.
  • To add protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken or turkey before baking.
  • For a vegan version, use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and skip the mozzarella or substitute with vegan cheese.
  • If you prefer more spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and broccoli.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta bake, baked pasta, vegetarian pasta dish, cheesy pasta bake, healthy pasta recipe, broccoli pasta bake, spinach pasta bake, simple bake dinner

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/cottage-cheese-pasta-bake-recipe/