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Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a simple and nutritious vegetarian dinner made with penne pasta, sautéed broccoli, spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and tangy tomato sauce. It’s baked until bubbly and topped with golden melted mozzarella, creating a comforting and protein-packed meal perfect for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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 or about 3 large handfuls)
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Sauce

  • 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

Others

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 5 large fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and chop the broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and broccoli florets, sautéing for about 7 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Add the baby spinach and cook just until wilted. 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 evenly mixed.
  5. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, and serve hot for a delicious, wholesome meal.

Notes

  • Use penne or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
  • For a lighter option, substitute part of the mozzarella with a lower-fat cheese or reduce the amount.
  • You can swap marinara with your favorite tomato sauce or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Ensure not to overcook pasta; it should be al dente to avoid mushiness in the bake.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright flavor but can be omitted or replaced with dried Italian herbs if needed.
  • This dish can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/healthy-cottage-cheese-pasta-bake-with-veggies-recipe/