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If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you have to try this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe. This dish brilliantly combines the creamy goodness of cottage cheese, the wholesome bite of perfectly cooked penne pasta, and fresh, vibrant vegetables all baked to bubbly perfection. It delivers on flavor and nutrition without any fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you need something nourishing and delicious. The medley of broccoli and spinach adds wonderful texture and color, and the melty mozzarella topping gives it that irresistible golden crust everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create a delightful pasta bake full of flavor and nourishing veggies. Each component plays its part in building layers of taste, texture, and bright color that elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.
- 3 cups penne pasta, dry: Choose a short pasta like penne to hold the sauce and cottage cheese perfectly in every bite.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic and vegetables beautifully.
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced: Offers fragrant depth that enhances every flavor in this dish.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Provides crunch, vibrant green color, and a boost of fiber and vitamins.
- 3 cups baby spinach, tightly packed: Melts into the pasta bake and delivers mild earthiness plus extra nutrients.
- 2 cups cottage cheese, 2% MF: The star of the show for creamy, healthy protein without being too heavy.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, tomatoey base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts to a bubbly, golden topping adding luscious texture and mild flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate and balance all the flavors.
- 5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped: Fresh herb garnish that brightens the dish with a pop of green and a fragrant finish.
How to Make Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta. While waiting, chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince your garlic cloves. This prep work sets you up for a smooth cooking flow.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it is just al dente. This means it will still have a slight firmness to the bite, which is perfect since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set it aside, ready to soak up all the wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables With Garlic
In a large pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil, then add minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for about 7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green and the garlic is fragrant. This step adds a lovely depth and caramelized note that elevates the veggies.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Add the baby spinach directly to the pan with the broccoli and garlic. Cook until the spinach has completely wilted, which should only take a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat to stop the cooking process and preserve that gorgeous bright color and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything in a Baking Dish
Grab a large baking dish and combine the cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed, ensuring every forkful is packed with goodness.
Step 6: Top With Mozzarella
Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface of the pasta mixture. This cheese layer will melt and turn golden in the oven, providing that irresistible cheesy crust that makes pasta bakes so crave-worthy.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and has a nice golden brown color. This step crisps up the top and melds all the flavors beautifully.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top. This bright herbal note adds fresh aroma and color, creating a vibrant, inviting finish. Serve it hot straight from the oven to enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped basil is a fantastic garnish that enhances both taste and presentation. You can also sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a grating of fresh Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick. These little touches take your pasta bake from simply delicious to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a light cucumber and tomato salad adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread on the side can also soak up any leftover sauce, making the meal ultra-satisfying without overpowering the main dish’s wholesome appeal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins for an elegant touch or family style in a pretty baking dish straight from the oven to create a cozy, communal vibe. You can also experiment with mixing in seasonal veggies like roasted red peppers or mushrooms to change it up while keeping the same Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe foundation you love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta bake reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal planning. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even more comforting.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this bake well in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Assemble the bake but don’t add the mozzarella topping. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then sprinkle cheese on top and bake until golden and bubbly.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best bet to restore that crisp, cheesy top. Bake leftovers at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the cheese less crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you could try cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses depending on your taste. Just keep in mind their melting characteristics to maintain that perfect crust.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the penne with a gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still enjoy the same delicious flavors and textures.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe is flexible and welcomes additions like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just adjust cooking times if using veggies that need more sautéing.
What is the best way to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cottage cheese and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives like tofu ricotta and vegan shredded cheese. Also, choose a marinara sauce without animal products to keep it fully vegan.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The total time is about 45 minutes: 10 minutes to prep, 15 minutes for pasta and sautéing, and 20 minutes baking time. It’s a quick and straightforward meal that fits nicely into busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. It shows you don’t have to sacrifice health for flavor, all while being easy enough to whip up on any weeknight. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, fresh, and cheesy goodness with your loved ones!
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Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Veggies is a quick, easy, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring penne pasta, broccoli, spinach, and creamy cottage cheese baked with marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, this dish balances wholesome ingredients with rich flavors. It’s a nutritious twist on a classic pasta bake that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 3 cups penne pasta, dry (or other short pasta shape)
- 2 cups marinara (or other tomato sauce)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 5 ounces or 142 grams)
- 3 cups baby spinach (tightly packed)
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped (to garnish)
Dairy and Oils
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cottage cheese, 2% MF (500 grams or 17 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Veggies: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. While waiting, chop the broccoli into florets and mince the garlic.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Broccoli and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets, sautéing for about 7 minutes until tender.
- Add Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the pan with broccoli and garlic, cooking until wilted. Remove the pan from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper and stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella over the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and has a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with the chopped fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a creamier texture, try mixing some ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese.
- To add protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken or turkey.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce if managing salt intake.
- Adding red pepper flakes gives a nice subtle heat to the dish.
