Name: Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups penne pasta, dry (or other short pasta shape); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 4 large cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups broccoli florets (about 5 ounces or 142 grams); 3 cups baby spinach (tightly packed! or 3 large handfuls); 2 cups cottage cheese, 2%MF (500 gram or 17 ounce container); 2 cups marinara (or other tomato sauce); 1 cup shredded mozzarella; Salt + pepper, to taste; 5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped

Jump to Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake. This glorious casserole brings together tender pasta, a creamy cottage cheese and marinara hug, bursts of green from broccoli and spinach, and a golden melted mozzarella crown. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between comfort food and wholesome eating, offering flavor, color, and texture in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, impressing friends, or simply craving something easy and nourishing, Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake delivers, and is so rewarding to make!

Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a vital role, from the sturdy pasta that holds up in the oven to the creamy cottage cheese that makes every bite extra luscious.

Penne pasta (3 cups): A short pasta like penne holds the sauce beautifully; but fusilli or rigatoni work great too.
Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Adds richness and helps the veggies cook evenly without sticking.
Garlic, minced (4 large cloves): Fresh garlic brings out irresistible fragrance and flavor.
Broccoli florets (2 cups): These pops of green add fiber, texture, and earthy sweetness.
Baby spinach (3 cups, tightly packed): Wilts down to add a mild, almost buttery note and gorgeous color.
Cottage cheese, 2% MF (2 cups): The star ingredient—its creaminess lightens and enriches every forkful.
Marinara or tomato sauce (2 cups): Classic, tangy, and ties everything together with robust tomato flavor.
Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): Melts beautifully on top for that deliciously gooey, golden finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go and adjust until it sings.
Fresh basil (5 large leaves, chopped): This herby sprinkle at the end adds a bright, fresh kick.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when you are. Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta. As you wait, chop up the broccoli florets and mince that fragrant garlic—setting the stage for a quick and easy assembly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Once your water’s boiling, cook your penne to al dente according to the package directions. You want the pasta to have a little bite—it’ll continue to soften in the oven. When it’s ready, drain it and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Toss in the minced garlic and broccoli and let them sizzle for about 7 minutes, stirring often. When the broccoli starts to soften, add your baby spinach and cook just until it wilts. The veggies should be vibrant and just tender, ready to melt seamlessly into your bake.

Step 4: Mix the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Filling

Now comes the fun part: In a large baking dish, combine the drained pasta, sautéed broccoli and spinach, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Give everything a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed—the creamy cottage cheese should coat every nook and cranny of pasta and veggies.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top, making sure every inch is covered. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is bubbling and golden at the edges. That cheesy crust is truly the crown jewel of this Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, remove your bubbling pasta bake from the oven and let it cool just a few minutes. Finish it off with a shower of freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and a touch of peppery freshness. Serve hot, and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Don’t skip the fresh basil! A handful of chopped basil scattered over the top not only adds eye-popping color, but it also brightens up every creamy, cheesy bite. You could also sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of Parmesan, for an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.

Side Dishes

Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, maybe something peppery like arugula with lemon vinaigrette. For a classic Italian touch, serve with thick slices of garlic bread or warm baguette. Roasted veggies such as zucchini or carrots make a beautiful, healthy addition alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to turn this into a dinner party centerpiece? Serve individual portions in ovenproof ramekins for a cute, personalized touch. Or layer sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese before baking for a gorgeous color splash. You can even pack leftovers into thermoses for a cozy lunch on-the-go—the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake taste and texture truly shine at any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply scoop any extras into an airtight container once cooled, then reheat as needed. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making your next meal even cozier.

Freezing

This bake is freezer-friendly! You can assemble everything right up to the cheesy top and freeze the unbaked dish (wrapped tightly in foil) for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen—just add an extra 15–20 minutes to the oven time—until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave (covered) works wonders. If reheating from frozen, always check that the center is piping hot before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short, sturdy pasta shape—think fusilli, rigatoni, or shells—works just as well as penne for Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up after baking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is naturally vegetarian as written. Just check that your marinara sauce is veggie-friendly and you’re all set for a comforting, meatless meal.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is a fantastic swap for a similar creamy texture. You could even try Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed alternative, though the texture will be a little lighter.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based sausage can all be stirred into the mix before baking for an extra boost. Just be sure any added meat is fully cooked first.

How can I make this gluten free?

Easy—just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta shape for the regular penne. All other ingredients in the Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple swap.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake a spot at your table soon. It’s comfort food you can feel good about, easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet special enough to share with friends. Whip it up, make it your own, and get ready for seconds—this one’s a true keeper!

Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a delightful and nutritious twist on a classic pasta dish. With a creamy cottage cheese and marinara sauce base, mixed with wholesome veggies and topped with gooey mozzarella, this bake is a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Instructions

PREP: Preheat oven to 400F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While you wait, you can chop broccoli into florets and mince garlic.
Cook pasta to al dente, according to package instructions. Drain when finished.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high. Add minced garlic and broccoli florets, and sauté for about 7 minutes. Then, add spinach and continue to cook until it wilts. Remove from heat.
To a large baking dish, add cooked pasta, cooked broccoli and spinach, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir everything together until well-combined.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella overtop, coating the pasta evenly.
Place baking dish in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is melted and nicely browned. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!

Notes

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
You can customize this bake by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian