Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is the kind of comfort food you’ll crave on a cozy weeknight, but with a wholesome twist! Picture tender pasta tossed with a bounty of sautéed greens, creamy cottage cheese, and rich marinara, all bubbling under a golden, melty layer of mozzarella. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with sneaky veggies – and trust me, you’ll want seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is how easy it is to make with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build creamy texture, a fresh pop of color, and irresistible, cheesy bite.

• Penne pasta (3 cups dry): Short pasta shapes like penne hold up perfectly and trap in the yummy sauce for every forkful.
• Olive oil (2 Tbsp): A touch of oil is all you need to sauté the veggies to tender, fragrant perfection.
• Garlic (4 large cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings a savory kick and makes the whole kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria.
• Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds a hearty crunch and soaks up all the tomato-cottage cheese goodness.
• Baby spinach (3 cups, tightly packed): Wilts down quickly for a boost of leafy greens without overpowering the flavor.
• Cottage cheese (2 cups, 2% MF): The star of the show! Creamy, mild, and protein-rich – it melts beautifully into the bake.
• Marinara or tomato sauce (2 cups): Pick your favorite – this brings brightness, acidity, and that classic baked pasta flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): For that golden, gooey top layer everyone fights over.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
• Fresh basil (5 large leaves, chopped): Scattered on top just before serving, basil adds an irresistible pop of color and freshness.

Variations

This bake is your blank canvas! The beauty of Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is that you can swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or sauces and tweak it to fit your mood or whatever’s in the fridge.

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta for a celiac-friendly meal that’s just as hearty.
• Veggie Swap: Try zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a different color palette and subtle flavor variations.
• Cheesy Twist: Add a handful of sharp cheddar or Parmesan to the mozzarella for extra zing.
• Meat Lovers: Stir in some cooked chicken breast or turkey sausage for a little extra protein punch.

How to Make Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients & Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bringing a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince the garlic – a little prep now makes the rest of the dish a breeze!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Once the water is boiling, add the penne and cook until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package says). The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped broccoli. Sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli turns bright green and just starts to soften. Add the baby spinach last, letting it wilt down into the mix – it just takes a minute.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

In your baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir until the mixture is evenly combined and coated with sauce. This is where the flavors start to mingle!

Step 5: Add Cheese & Bake

Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella over the top in a thick, even layer. Bake on the middle rack for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. The aroma will let you know when it’s ready!

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Once out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. Scatter chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of flavor and freshness, then dig in while it’s hot and cheesy. Voilà – your Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies

Garnishes

Nothing beats a shower of fresh basil over your Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies. For even more color, try scattering a little grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes for spice, or a drizzle of good olive oil. Freshly cracked black pepper is always a welcome finishing touch!

Side Dishes

This pasta bake is filling on its own, but a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted veggies pairs beautifully. For a classic combo, serve with crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon individual portions into mini gratin dishes for an elegant dinner-party feel, or serve straight from the baking dish family-style with a sprinkle of herbs. For a picnic-ready option, pack into insulated containers and let the flavors meld even more on-the-go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. It’s just as delicious (maybe even better!) reheated for lunch the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled bake tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just add a splash of water to keep it moist and stir halfway through heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies finds its way onto your dinner table soon! It’s a dish that brings the best of comfort and nutrition together, making weeknights flavorful, vibrant, and so satisfying. Give it a try, add your own little twist, and don’t forget to share a plate with someone you love!

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