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Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies 2025 12 23 182326 150x150 1

Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies

A quick and comforting cottage cheese pasta bake that combines penne, broccoli, and spinach for a healthy, satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups penne pasta, dry
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups baby spinach, tightly packed
  • 2 cups cottage cheese, 2% MF
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Cook the penne in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add broccoli florets and cook until starting to soften, then stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, cottage cheese, and marinara. Stir until evenly coated, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
  7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, browning edges slightly. Broil for 1–2 minutes if a browner top is desired.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve warm.

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Use good-quality marinara for best flavor.

  • Author: soukaina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian