Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s creamy, comforting, loaded with veggies, and secretly packed with protein? This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies combines classic Italian flavors with a lighter, high-protein twist—thanks to cottage cheese. It brings together crisp-tender broccoli, wilted spinach, and gooey mozzarella in a saucy, satisfying bake your whole family will rave about!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient has a job to do in making this bake irresistible. From the savory marinara to the tender pasta shells and velvety cottage cheese, this lineup creates the perfect base for layering flavor, creamy goodness, and a pop of fresh green.

• Penne Pasta (3 cups dry): The classic tubular shape holds every bit of sauce and cheesy goodness—you can swap in any short pasta you have on hand.
• Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): For sautéing and bringing out the sweet, nutty flavor in your veggies and garlic.
• Garlic (4 large cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth that infuses the whole casserole.
• Broccoli Florets (2 cups): Offers crunch, color, and nutrients, plus it stands up beautifully to baking.
• Baby Spinach (3 cups, tightly packed): Wilts down into luscious green ribbons and brings iron and vitamins to your bake.
• Cottage Cheese (2 cups, 2%MF): This is the creamy secret weapon! It melts into the sauce, adding richness and protein while keeping things light.
• Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Your favorite jarred or homemade tomato sauce ties everything together with tangy-sweet flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella (1 cup): Melts into a bubbly, golden topper—because every pasta bake deserves a little gooey cheese!
• Salt & Pepper: These kitchen staples let all the flavors shine and help you season to perfection.
• Fresh Basil (5 large leaves, chopped): Adds irresistible aroma and color for the perfect fresh finish.

Variations

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is naturally flexible—make it your own with swaps for what’s in your fridge, or tweaks for your family’s tastes. Here are some fun ways to experiment and keep dinner exciting every time you bake it!

• Swap the Veggies: Try bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted cauliflower—almost any veggie works and gives a new twist!
• Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a delicious, celiac-friendly bake.
• Add Extra Protein: Toss in cooked shredded chicken, bite-sized turkey sausage, or even white beans for more substance.
• Spice It Up: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce or sprinkle over the top before baking for subtle heat.
• Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade: Mix a little grated parmesan with the mozzarella for extra cheesy flavor and savory depth.

How to Make Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, so it’s piping hot and ready for baking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; while you’re waiting, chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince your garlic. A little prep makes the whole process seamless and helps the veggies cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Add the dry pasta to the boiling water and cook just until al dente according to package instructions—you don’t want it mushy, as it will finish baking in the oven. Drain and set aside; a little olive oil drizzle will keep the pasta from sticking while you work on the veggies.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add that lovely minced garlic, let it sizzle, then toss in the broccoli. Sauté for about 7 minutes so the broccoli gets tender but still vibrant green. Add the baby spinach next—it will wilt down quickly, adding a gorgeous pop of color and nutrients.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. This is the magic moment where all those savory, creamy, and bright flavors come together! Season generously with salt and pepper, and stir until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Top with Cheese & Bake

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, covering the pasta in a lovely cheesy blanket. Pop the dish in the hot oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. The aromas are irresistible!

Step 6: Finish & Serve

When the Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is done, take it out and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for a fresh, fragrant finish. Serve it hot—this is where creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed comfort meets utter weeknight joy!

How to Serve Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies

Garnishes

Right out of the oven, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a vibrant green flourish. For even more flavor, finish with a dusting of grated parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper—the warm, creamy pasta soak up every little bit of herbaceousness and zing.

Side Dishes

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is happily satisfying on its own, but it’s also a team player! Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or warm crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce—the more, the merrier.

Creative Ways to Present

For family style, bring the whole bubbling dish to the table and let everyone dig in. Or, plate individual portions with fresh basil on top for a casual dinner party. To make it extra special, use mini ramekins for adorable, personal pasta bakes—everyone loves their own cheesy casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the bake cool completely, then transfer slices or scoop into airtight containers—your future self will thank you for such a delicious grab-and-go lunch!

Freezing

This pasta bake freezes surprisingly well. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or pop individual pieces straight from the freezer into the oven for a quick meal anytime.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for everyday convenience, or bake in a 350°F oven (covered) until bubbly and hot—this keeps the cheese melty and the veggies tender. A splash of extra marinara before reheating can help revive the creamy texture if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add more wholesome, flavor-packed meals to your rotation, give this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies a try. It’s comfort food you can feel good about, and I just know it’ll win a spot in your weekly dinner line-up—happy baking!

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