Cozy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe: A Family Favorite

Cottage cheese pasta bake refines ordinary ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece that delights taste buds and warms hungry souls.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with hearty pasta, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace from your favorite kitchen companion.

Protein-packed and incredibly satisfying, this recipe offers a clever twist on traditional casseroles with its rich, velvety base.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such a remarkable meal that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each forkful of this crowd-pleasing classic that balances nutrition with incredible flavor.

Light yet substantial, the dish promises to become a staple in meal rotation for those seeking delicious, wholesome dining experiences.

Weeknight dinners never looked so tempting and effortless.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with This Pasta Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Match the creamy pasta bake with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the richness and complement the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting rustic sourdough bread with garlic butter, which adds crunch and enhances the pasta's herbal notes.
• Add Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to bring bright, tangy elements that balance the dish's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Herb-Infused Water: Prepare a simple water infused with fresh basil and cucumber to cleanse the palate and echo the dish's herbal undertones.

Tasty Upgrades for Your Next Pasta Bake Round

• Green Goddess Pasta Bake: Replace marinara sauce with creamy pesto, add zucchini and asparagus for extra green vegetables, and top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn. Swap marinara for enchilada sauce, and use pepper jack cheese as the topping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Mediterranean Medley: Incorporate sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts. Use a light tomato sauce with herbs, sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese, and finish with fresh oregano.
• Protein Power Boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey, mix in quinoa with the pasta, and increase cottage cheese for extra protein. Top with a blend of cheddar and parmesan cheeses.

Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake That’s Creamy and Protein-Packed

• Whip Up a Speedy Veggie Feast: This pasta bake delivers a nutritious meal packed with broccoli, spinach, and cheese in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Creamy Comfort with a Healthy Twist: The combination of cottage cheese and marinara creates a luscious, protein-rich sauce that coats every pasta strand, while vegetables add freshness and nutrients to this satisfying one-dish wonder.
• Master a Simple Yet Impressive Dish: With basic cooking techniques like sautéing and baking, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, impressing family and friends with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: The recipe offers flexible ingredients that can be easily swapped or adjusted, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or pasta types to suit your taste preferences and pantry availability.

Essential Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

• Pasta: Versatile base for the dish, choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or rotini.

• Broccoli, Baby Spinach: Fresh green vegetables that add nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth of flavor and enhances overall taste.

• Cottage Cheese, Mozzarella: Creamy proteins that create a rich, satisfying texture and add protein.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and tangy flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality fat for sautéing vegetables and adding subtle flavor.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare This Creamy Baked Pasta Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab a large pot for boiling water. While waiting, break down the broccoli into bite-sized florets and finely chop the garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Toss the pasta into the boiling water and cook until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Warm up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Let them dance and sizzle for about 7 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.

Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook until it wilts and looks vibrant. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Create the Pasta Mixture

• Cooked pasta
• Sautéed broccoli and spinach
• Cottage cheese
• Marinara sauce

Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined and looks deliciously inviting.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the pasta mixture, covering it completely.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tips to Keep the Pasta Tender and Sauce Creamy

• Pasta Perfection: Choose medium-sized pasta like penne or rotini to help capture sauce and vegetables in every bite.
• Veggie Vitality: Chop broccoli into similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Consistency: Let cottage cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more blendable texture.
• Moisture Management: Pat broccoli and spinach dry after cooking to prevent excess liquid from making the pasta bake watery.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or grated parmesan for an extra layer of depth and complexity to the dish.

Reheating Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Without Drying It Out

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta bake fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Carefully transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain the creamy texture.

Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cottage cheese pasta bake brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with creamy, cheesy goodness. Hearty noodles meld perfectly with tangy cottage cheese, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Dairy:

• 2 cups cottage cheese, 2% MF (500 grams or 17 ounces)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 3 cups dry penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets (about 5 ounces or 142 grams)
• 3 cups baby spinach (tightly packed)
• 5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (or any tomato sauce)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a scorching 400°F (200°C), ensuring a perfectly crisp and golden finish for the pasta bake.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, preparing for the pasta cooking process.
3. While the water heats, meticulously break down broccoli into delicate florets and finely mince the aromatic garlic.
4. Submerge pasta into the boiling water, cooking until it reaches the ideal al dente texture. Carefully drain and set aside.
5. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
6. Introduce minced garlic and broccoli florets to the hot pan, sautéing for approximately 7 minutes until the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Gently fold baby spinach into the vegetable mixture, allowing it to wilt and release its vibrant green color.
8. Transfer the cooked pasta to a large baking dish, creating a welcoming base for the remaining ingredients.
9. Layer the sautéed broccoli and spinach over the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables.
10. Generously dollop cottage cheese across the dish, creating creamy pockets throughout the mixture.
11. Pour marinara sauce over the ingredients, using a spatula to blend everything together seamlessly.
12. Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
13. Sprinkle a luxurious layer of shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, bubbling crust.
14. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a molten, golden-brown blanket.
15. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, adding a final touch of aromatic freshness.
16. Serve immediately, presenting a steaming, colorful pasta bake that promises to delight the senses.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Chop broccoli and mince garlic before starting to streamline the cooking process and save time in the kitchen.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and ensure a pleasant bite in the final dish.
• Veggie Boost: Sautéing broccoli and spinach intensifies their flavors and helps them blend seamlessly with the creamy cottage cheese.
• Cheese Magic: Mix cottage cheese directly into the pasta for a protein-packed, creamy base that adds richness without heavy cream.
• Melty Topping: Shredded mozzarella creates a golden, crispy cheese layer that makes the dish irresistibly appealing and gives a delightful textural contrast.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped basil just before serving to add a burst of fresh herb flavor and brighten the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 30mg