Name: Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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 or about 3 large handfuls); 4 large cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cottage cheese, 2% milk fat (500 grams or 17 ounces); 2 cups marinara sauce (or other tomato sauce); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 Tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 5 large fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe because it’s one of my all-time favorite comfort meals that manages to be wholesome and satisfying all at once. The creamy cottage cheese blends perfectly with the savory tomato sauce and fresh, vibrant veggies like broccoli and spinach, while the golden, bubbly mozzarella on top adds that irresistible crispy finish. It’s straightforward to throw together, making it my go-to when I want something hearty, nourishing, and just downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe

One of the things I adore most about this recipe is its incredible flavor profile. The cottage cheese adds a delicate creaminess that balances beautifully with the tangy marinara sauce and the subtle earthiness of sautéed greens and tender broccoli. When baked, the mozzarella melts to a golden perfection, giving the dish a delightful mix of textures that just keeps you coming back for more. Every bite feels like a warm, cozy hug but with a fresh veggie boost that makes it feel light and nourishing.

Another reason I keep coming back to this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe is how easy it is to prepare. The ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and the assembly couldn’t be simpler. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when I’m juggling a million things but still want a wholesome meal on the table. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so whether I’m cooking for family or entertaining friends, it always gets rave reviews and vanishes quickly. I love serving it at casual get-togethers or as a cozy comfort dish on chilly nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight separate white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. Starting from the top left, a white bowl is filled with fresh deep green spinach leaves. To the right, there is a clear glass measuring cup full of bright red marinara sauce with a smooth texture. Below the spinach, a bowl holds dry yellow penne pasta with a smooth surface. In the center, a white bowl is filled with white cottage cheese, soft with small curds. Below it, a bowl contains shredded mozzarella cheese, white and stringy. To the right of the cottage cheese, a bowl is full of green broccoli florets with a textured surface. In the bottom left corner, a small white bowl has golden olive oil. Next to it, a smaller brown bowl contains finely minced white garlic. To the right at the bottom, a shallow white bowl holds fresh green basil leaves with smooth texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple, fresh, and essential, each bringing its own unique flavor, texture, and color to the dish. From the protein-packed cottage cheese to the vibrantly green spinach and broccoli, everything works in harmony to make this pasta bake both healthy and satisfying.

3 cups penne pasta, dry: I recommend using short pasta shapes like penne because they hold the sauce and cheese beautifully in every bite.
2 Tbsp olive oil: This adds a lovely richness and helps sauté the garlic and veggies perfectly.
4 large cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings an aromatic depth that elevates the whole dish.
2 cups broccoli florets: Broccoli offers a fresh crunch and tons of nutrients; cutting it into bite-sized pieces ensures it cooks evenly.
3 cups baby spinach (tightly packed): Spinach wilts down wonderfully, adding vibrant color and earthy flavor without overpowering.
2 cups cottage cheese, 2% fat: I love using cottage cheese for its creamy texture and protein; it keeps the bake light yet filling.
2 cups marinara sauce: A good quality tomato sauce is key for that rich, tangy base flavor.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: This melts over the top for that gooey, golden crust everyone craves.
Salt + pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to bring out the best in all the ingredients.
5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil is a game-changer for garnishing and giving the bake a bright, herbaceous finish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, chop the broccoli into florets and mince the garlic so everything is ready.

Step 2: Cook the penne pasta to al dente according to the package directions, then drain it well. I always recommend reserving a little pasta water just in case the bake needs loosening later.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and the broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.

Step 4: Toss in the spinach and cook until it wilts down completely, which should take just a couple of minutes. Remove the pan from the heat once the veggies are nicely combined and cooked through.

Step 5: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed broccoli and spinach, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste, then stir everything together until it is evenly mixed.

Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture, making sure it fully covers the surface for that perfect cheesy crust.

Step 7: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch closely towards the end so it doesn’t over-brown.

Step 8: Once out of the oven, garnish the pasta bake with the freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Servings and Timing

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe comfortably serves 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, mostly chopping and boiling water. The cook time is around 35 minutes including baking, so the total time for this creamy, nutritious meal is roughly 45 minutes. You won’t need any resting or cooling time, but feel free to let it sit a few minutes after baking if you want to serve it slightly warm instead of piping hot.

How to Serve This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe

A deep white bowl filled with penne pasta coated in a red tomato sauce with visible spinach leaves mixed throughout. On top, there is a layer of melted cheese that is golden brown and slightly crispy with some browned spots, covering the pasta unevenly. Fresh chopped green basil is sprinkled across the dish, adding a pop of color. The pasta pieces are arranged loosely with the fork resting on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this pasta bake, I love to pair it with something light and fresh on the side — a crisp mixed green salad with vinaigrette works perfectly to balance the creamy richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple side of garlic bread also complement the flavors wonderfully and make the meal feel a little more indulgent. For garnish, fresh basil is a must; not only does it bring a lovely pop of green, but it adds herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.

For beverages, I often reach for a chilled glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creaminess nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or iced herbal tea offers a refreshing pairing that keeps things light. This bake also works beautifully for casual weeknight meals, cozy family dinners, or even as a hearty potluck dish at parties where you want to impress without fuss.

I recommend serving this pasta bake hot or warm to fully appreciate the melty cheese and creamy texture, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature if you’re packing it for lunches or picnics. For plating, a generous portion about one to one and a half cups per person satisfies most appetites, and arranging it in bright bowls with a sprinkle of basil on top makes for a welcoming presentation every time.

Variations

If you want to mix things up with this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe, I love experimenting with different vegetables like roasted red peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in place of or alongside the broccoli and spinach. You can also swap out the marinara for a creamy pesto sauce for a flavor twist that still keeps the dish fresh and vibrant.

For dietary modifications, this bake is easy to adapt. Use gluten-free pasta to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture. To make it vegan, replace cottage cheese with a plant-based ricotta and use vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast to get that cheesy flavor. The flavor profile stays comforting and delicious even with these swaps!

Different cooking methods can also work if you’re short on time. For example, after mixing everything together, you could cook the pasta and veggie mixture quickly in a skillet with the cheese on top, covering until melted, instead of baking it. It won’t have quite the same browned top but will still be creamy and satisfying for a speedy meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once you have leftovers, I recommend transferring the pasta bake into an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Using glass containers helps the dish maintain its flavor and texture best. It’s a great meal prep option since the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe freezes quite well, which is great for batch cooking. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for about 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, I advise thawing overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover pasta bake is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warm and bubbly again. This method helps revive the melted cheese topping without drying it out. Alternatively, reheating gently in a microwave works too, but be mindful to cover it loosely and add a splash of water if it starts drying. Avoid reheating at too high a heat or too quickly to keep the creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! While cottage cheese gives this bake its signature creaminess and protein punch, you can substitute ricotta or even cream cheese if you prefer a slightly richer texture. Just keep in mind that cottage cheese has a lighter consistency and tang that balances the dish well.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! Just swap the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a versatile meal for those avoiding gluten.

Can I add meat or other proteins to this bake?

Definitely. While I love it as a vegetarian dish, you can add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage to boost the protein further. Just sauté your choice of meat separately and mix it in before baking.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based ricotta or tofu blended with lemon juice and nutritional yeast instead of cottage cheese, and swap mozzarella for a vegan cheese option. Check that your marinara sauce is vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based pasta bake.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything a few hours or even a day before baking. Just cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as inspired as I am to try this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe. It’s a perfect marriage of comforting flavors, wholesome ingredients, and effortless preparation that suits so many occasions. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying vegetarian meal, this pasta bake delivers every time and feels like a warm invitation to sit, relax, and enjoy good food. Give it a go — I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, just as it is in mine!