Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
Are you looking for a super easy and cheesy dinner? You’ve come to the right place! My Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a game-changer. It’s packed with creamy goodness and is so simple to whip up on a busy weeknight.
I remember the first time I made this for my family. They couldn’t believe the secret ingredient was cottage cheese! It melts into a rich, yummy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food at its best!
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a simple recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a truly special meal.
- So Creamy: The cottage cheese makes a dreamy, smooth sauce.
- Quick to Make: It’s ready in a jiffy, perfect for busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to grown-ups will love this dish.
- Healthy Twist: You get a nice protein boost from the cottage cheese.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need right now.
Looking for more easy pasta bakes? You should try my Caprese Pasta Bake or this zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake for something different!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the simple things you’ll need to make this yummy bake. Check the recipe card below for the exact amounts!
- Pasta: I love using penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce so well.
- Cottage Cheese: This is our secret weapon for a super creamy and rich sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: You can use your favorite jar from the store or a homemade one.
- Frozen Spinach: Make sure you thaw it and squeeze out all the extra water first.
- Garlic: A few cloves of fresh garlic make everything taste so much better.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a little bit to bring out all the wonderful flavors.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a sweet, lovely smell and taste to the dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This gives you that perfect, gooey, cheesy topping. YUM!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is as easy as pie. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, get your pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of pasta and cook it until it’s just a little chewy. We’ll finish cooking it in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, mix your sauce. In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups of cottage cheese, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup of thawed and squeezed spinach, 4 minced cloves of garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
Once the pasta is done, drain it well. Then, pour the cooked pasta right into the bowl with your creamy sauce. Add 1/2 cup fresh basil and give it a good, gentle stir until everything is mixed.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pasta mixture into your 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
When it’s golden and bubbly, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before you serve it. This helps it set up a little. Now, you can ENJOY!!!
Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
Want to make this pasta bake taste even better? Here are a few of my favorite little tricks and tips.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until it’s ‘al dente’ because it will cook more in the oven.
- Squeeze That Spinach: Make sure you squeeze out all the water from the spinach so your sauce isn’t watery.
- Use Full-Fat Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella will give you the creamiest, richest results.
- Fresh is Best: If you can, use fresh garlic and basil. They really make the flavors pop!
- Let It Rest: Letting the bake sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven makes it easier to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to play around with this recipe! Here are some fun ideas to change things up and make it your own.
- Add Some Meat: You can stir in cooked ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
- Swap the Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Try Different Cheeses: You could use a mix of mozzarella and provolone, or add a little Parmesan on top.
- Go Gluten-Free: Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and it will work perfectly.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This pasta bake is a lifesaver for busy days. You can put the whole dish together a day ahead of time. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven! You might need to add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
If you have leftovers, they are just as good the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat a single serving in the microwave or a larger amount in the oven until it’s warm and bubbly again.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! Any short pasta like ziti, rotini, or shells will work great. Use what you have!
Do I have to use spinach?
Nope! You can leave it out or swap it for another vegetable you like, like chopped broccoli.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! Just make sure your marinara sauce doesn’t have any meat.
What can I serve with this pasta bake?
A simple green salad and some garlic bread are the perfect partners for this yummy dish.
Can I freeze this?
You sure can! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Oh, yes! Kids love how cheesy and creamy it is. It’s always a big hit with my little ones.
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
You can, but full-fat cottage cheese will give you a much creamier and richer sauce.
Why do I need to let it rest after baking?
Letting it rest helps the sauce thicken up a bit, making it much easier to scoop and serve.
How do I know when the bake is done?
It’s ready when the cheese on top is melted and golden brown, and the sauce is bubbly.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! If you’re a big cheese fan like me, feel free to add a little extra.
Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (ribboned)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to the package directions until it's al dente.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, marinara sauce, thawed spinach, cloves of garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Drain the cooked pasta well and add it to the bowl with the sauce. Stir in fresh basil until everything is nicely combined.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella.
- Make sure to squeeze all the water out of the spinach to avoid a watery sauce.
- Feel free to add cooked ground meat or extra veggies to this dish.
- This bake can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
