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Cottage Cheese Baked Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 10 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Baked Pasta is a hearty and protein-packed Italian-inspired casserole featuring al dente pasta, lean ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, and a creamy cottage cheese mixture seasoned with Italian herbs. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked to perfection, it makes a comforting and nutritious family meal ready in just 45 minutes.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces pasta (rigatoni or chickpea pasta recommended)
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 zucchini, shredded
  • 4 cloves garlic, diced
  • 24 ounces lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce

Cottage Cheese Mixture

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup egg whites

Topping

  • 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions but shorten the cooking time slightly to achieve an al dente texture. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and garlic; sauté for a few minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add shredded zucchini and cook until it softens.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot with vegetables and cook, stirring frequently, until no pink remains. Season with garlic salt and combine thoroughly.
  5. Simmer Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the pot with the cooked beef and vegetables. Allow the mixture to simmer gently while preparing the cottage cheese mixture.
  6. Prepare Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a very large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, egg whites, and Italian seasoning until well combined and creamy.
  7. Combine Mixtures: Add the simmered marinara and beef mixture to the bowl with the cottage cheese. Stir gently to combine. Next, fold in the cooked pasta carefully to evenly coat with the sauce and cheese mixture.
  8. Assemble and Top: Transfer the entire pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  9. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving this comforting, flavorful baked pasta dish.

Notes

  • Using rigatoni or chickpea pasta adds protein and texture, but any pasta shape works well.
  • Reducing pasta cooking time prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Rotary grater works well to shred zucchini quickly and evenly.
  • Lean ground beef keeps the dish lower in fat and calories.
  • Egg whites in the cottage cheese mixture help bind everything together without adding fat.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use a vegetarian marinara sauce.
  • Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking so it firms up and is easier to serve.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/cottage-cheese-baked-pasta-recipe/