Easy Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
383 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Easy Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake
Description
Easy Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake centers on whole wheat rotini pasta mixed with cooked lean ground beef, seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. The blend of marinara sauce, cottage cheese, and part of the shredded mozzarella cheese complements the savory meat and pasta, providing moisture and creaminess. Baked in a single dish with remaining sauce and cheese topping, it results in a golden, bubbly crust. This method brings together layers of flavor and smooth textures while using wholesome ingredients.
The pasta bake offers a balance of meaty and cheesy elements while the Italian seasoning adds aromatic notes. The use of cottage cheese adds a lighter creamy aspect without overwhelming richness. Baking melds the ingredients, producing a casserole suitable for straightforward serving and portioning.
This dish fits a practical dinner menu, especially where a filling, stand-alone meal is desired. It can pair well with a simple side salad or vegetables for more variety. The recipe’s notes mention easy substitutions to accommodate gluten-free or dairy-free diets by switching to alternative pastas or cheeses, enhancing its adaptability.
Ingredients
- 8- oz. whole wheat rotini pasta or other short pasta, uncooked, 224g
- 1 lb. ground beef 96% lean, 4% fat
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce divided, 750g
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese 2%, 113g
- 1 egg large
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese divided, shredded, 112g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 7x11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and generously salt. Cook according to package directions and rinse/drain when done.
- While pasta is cooking, add the ground beef to a skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking into pieces as you go, until no longer pink. Then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the egg and briefly whisk. Then add the beef, cooked pasta, 2 cups of the marinara sauce, cottage cheese, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix to combine, then add to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining one cup of marinara sauce and the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For dairy-free versions, use dairy-free shredded cheese and dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 383 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/6 of bake (300g) | |
| Calories | 383kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 37.6g | 13% |
| Protein | 35.7g | 71% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2g | 16% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6.4g | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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