Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake is a hearty and nutritious dish blending whole wheat penne pasta with lean ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and rich cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting and protein-packed meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Dairy and Sauces
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain thoroughly and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for texture adjustments if needed.
- Brown the ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic and cook until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the full-fat cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Preheat the oven and layer the bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta first, then evenly distribute the browned beef mixture on top. Pour the marinara sauce over the beef and gently mix to combine all layers.
- Assemble and top with cheeses: Dollop the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt mixture over the pasta and spread it evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake the pasta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to firm up for easier slicing and optimal texture. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
- If the mixture seems dry during reheating, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time to adjust texture.
- Ensure ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake, Protein Pasta Bake, Healthy Pasta Bake, Lean Ground Beef Pasta, Whole Wheat Pasta Bake, High Protein Dinner
