Description
This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta is a hearty and nutritious baked pasta dish combining whole wheat penne with a creamy blend of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. Lean ground beef and Italian seasonings add depth and protein, making it a wholesome meal perfect for families or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even baking results.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to avoid overcooking. Drain thoroughly and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water if needed for sauce adjustment.
- Brown Ground Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to season evenly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the full-fat cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt. Blend or stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy for an even texture in the pasta bake.
- Assemble Bake: In a large baking dish, arrange the cooked pasta as the base layer. Evenly distribute the browned ground beef mixture over the pasta, then pour the marinara sauce on top. Gently mix the layers to combine but keep some texture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Spoon the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt mixture over the layered pasta and spread it evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, ensuring complete coverage to create a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Cooking pasta slightly under al dente prevents mushiness after baking.
- Reserving pasta water can help adjust sauce consistency if too thick.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and calories.
- Allowing the bake to rest helps set the layers for easier serving.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and herby freshness.
