Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that brings together creamy comfort and garden-fresh brightness, this Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is about to become your new favorite. It balances tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and a velvety cheese layer, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you need a fuss-free weeknight dinner or want something that impresses a crowd with minimum work, this dish is up for the challenge. The Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is the delicious love child of Italian-inspired classics and wholesome, modern cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, with each ingredient playing an essential role in creating a creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed pasta bake. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Penne pasta: The tubular shape catches every bit of creamy sauce, but feel free to swap for another short pasta you love.
• Olive oil: Adds savory depth and helps tenderize the veggies as they sauté.
• Garlic: Four cloves pack a punch, infusing your base with aromatic, irresistible flavor.
• Broccoli florets: These little green trees bring beautiful color and a tender bite to every forkful.
• Baby spinach: A big handful wilts into silky ribbons, upping the nutrients and turning the pasta bake extra luscious.
• Cottage cheese (2% MF): The secret to a creamy texture and extra protein without weighing things down!
• Marinara sauce: A classic, zesty tomato base that brings all the flavors together — use your favorite brand or homemade.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts into that irresistible gooey top layer that makes any pasta bake magical.
• Salt and pepper: Simple, necessary, and crucial for balancing all the flavors throughout the bake.
• Fresh basil: Chopped leaves add a bright, fragrant pop at the finish — a little garnish that goes a long way.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep the Pasta and Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 400F, then bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While you’re waiting, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince your garlic — you’ll love how quickly things come together when you’re prepped! Boil the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions; you want it tender but with some bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta when done and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Broccoli, Spinach, and Garlic

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Toss in the minced garlic and broccoli florets, letting them sizzle and soften for about 7 minutes. Watch for the garlic to become fragrant without browning. When the broccoli is bright and just tender, fold in the baby spinach. It will look like a lot at first, but it’ll wilt down quickly, lending a silky texture and extra nutrition to your bake. Remove from the heat once the spinach is soft.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Grab your favorite large baking dish and add the cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper. Using a big spoon or spatula, mix everything together until the cottage cheese, sauce, and vegetables are evenly combined throughout the pasta — this is where all the flavors start to mingle!

Step 4: Top with Mozzarella

Scatter the shredded mozzarella generously over the top, making sure the surface is covered so you end up with a gloriously golden, gooey finish. A well-topped Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake means every serving gets a stretch of melted cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Slide your bake into the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top layer is bubbly and browned to perfection. Once it’s out, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the hot, cheesy pasta, inhale that delicious aroma, and serve it up while it’s still piping hot and melty.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must for a fragrant, colorful touch, but you can also get creative! Try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, extra cracked black pepper, or even a shower of grated parmesan for a more intense, savory finish. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving is never a bad idea either.

Side Dishes

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake pairs deliciously with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Add some warm, garlicky bread on the side to mop up any leftover sauce, or go with roasted vegetables for an extra wholesome touch.

Creative Ways to Present

To make this bake fun for gatherings, try serving it in individual ramekins for a personal touch. For a rustic family-style approach, bring the whole bubbling dish straight to the table and let everyone dig in. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even fold in extra veggies or swap in flavored cottage cheese for a flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. The flavors meld even more by the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, let the bake cool completely first. Portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish well with foil and plastic wrap. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months — just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the pasta bake with foil and warm it in a 350F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For a quick lunch, individual portions can be microwaved; just add a splash of water or marinara to keep things moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta in Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake?

Absolutely! Both whole wheat and gluten-free pasta work beautifully here. Cooking times may vary slightly, so just follow the package directions and aim for al dente texture before baking.

What can I substitute for spinach or broccoli?

If you don’t have spinach or broccoli on hand, kale, chard, zucchini, or even frozen peas are all tasty options. Just make sure your veggies are chopped into small, bite-sized pieces so everything melds well and cooks evenly.

Is low-fat cottage cheese OK to use in this recipe?

Yes! Low-fat cottage cheese will still yield a creamy sauce, though it may be slightly less rich. Full-fat cottage cheese will give you the most indulgent texture, but use what suits your diet and preference best.

Can I assemble Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the bake up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

How can I make this Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already completely vegetarian! Just make sure your marinara and cheeses are made without animal-derived enzymes if you want to keep it truly vegetarian for strict diets.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into your first forkful of this Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and so easy to put together — the kind of dish destined to become a repeat on your meal plan. Share it with family, serve it at your next potluck, or save the leftovers for a comforting lunch. Trust me: one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

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