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Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake

A creamy, cheesy pasta bake filled with lean beef and cottage cheese, perfect for satisfying hearty cravings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta Cook until al dente
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean or greater)
Vegetables and Seasoning
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Base
  • 2 cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Sauce and Toppings
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped before serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and brown it while stirring in the diced onion until transparent.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  5. In a separate bowl, blend cottage cheese with Greek yogurt until smooth.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assembly
  1. In a greased baking dish, combine cooked pasta and beef mixture with marinara sauce.
  2. Fold in the creamy cottage cheese mixture gently.
  3. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.