Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
22 mins
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Total Time
37 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
442 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
Description
The Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake begins by cooking penne pasta just shy of al dente, then combining it in a baking dish with marinara sauce, cottage cheese, thawed and drained spinach, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. This mixture is stirred together to distribute flavors and textures before being topped with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baked at 400°F for about 20 minutes and broiled briefly to brown the cheese, the casserole develops a golden, bubbly top while maintaining a creamy, cheesy interior. The cottage cheese adds a slightly tangy creaminess that complements the acidity of the marinara and the earthiness of the spinach. The garlic and basil provide fresh herbal notes.
This bake works well as a vegetarian main dish or a hearty side, served hot from the oven. Letting it rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Ingredients
- 3 cups penne pasta
- 770 mL marinara sauce (1 jar Rao's)
- 2 cups cottage cheese 2% MF
- 2 blocks spinach thawed and liquid squeezed out (20 oz/567 grams, frozen
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 10 basil ribboned, leaves
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta for one minute under al dente, according to package instructions. Drain when finished and add it to a large baking dish.
- Add the marinara, cottage cheese, spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and basil to the baking dish.
- Mix everything together in the baking dish until well combined and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes in the middle rack and then broil for 2 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 442 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 442kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 1166mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 742mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1049IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 226mg | 23% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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