Description
Enjoy a wholesome and comforting Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake, a protein-packed and veggie-rich dinner perfect for the whole family. This easy-to-make, creamy pasta casserole features broccoli, spinach, and tender pasta baked under a golden mozzarella layer. It’s a delicious vegetarian dinner idea that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry penne pasta (or any short pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (approximately 5 ounces)
- 3 cups tightly packed baby spinach
- 2 cups 2% cottage cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic and broccoli florets for about 7 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic and broccoli florets for about 7 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.
