Description
This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta is a hearty and nutritious baked dish combining whole wheat penne pasta with a rich mixture of lean ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it provides a balanced meal with plenty of protein and wholesome ingredients, perfect for a family dinner 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 Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat, ensuring even baking later on.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Drain the pasta thoroughly and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case it is needed to loosen the sauce later.
- Brown Ground Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper and combine well.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend together the full-fat cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy to create the cheese base for the pasta bake.
- Assemble Bake: In a large baking dish, start by layering the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom. Spread the cooked beef mixture over the pasta. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the beef and gently mix slightly to incorporate all layers together.
- Add Cheese Topping: Spoon the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt mixture evenly over the layered pasta and beef. Spread it out smoothly using a spatula. Top everything with the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring full coverage over the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick during mixing or baking.
- Use lean ground beef (93% lean or higher) to keep the dish healthier and less greasy.
- Full-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt provide creaminess and protein, but low-fat options can be substituted for lower calories.
- Allowing the bake to rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness and color as a garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
