5 from 10 votes
Rotini Pasta Bake Casserole (High Protein)
This Rotini Pasta Bake combines tender-cooked rotini with cottage cheese, marinara sauce, pesto, and Italian seasonings, baked to meld flavors and topped with mozzarella and parmesan for a cheesy crust. The casserole balances creamy textures and a flavorful tomato-herb sauce, making it a satisfying high-protein comfort dish.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
495 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean, Italian, American
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta 453 g
- 2 cups cottage cheese 450 g
- 1 oz jar marinara sauce 680 g
- ½ cup pesto
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 oz package mozzarella cheese 226 g
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese 40 g, fresh grated
Instructions
- Pasta: Cook 1 lb rotini pasta according to package instructions, stopping 2 minutes before al dente (pasta will still be a little hard on the inside when you bite it).Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Stir: In a large bowl, gently fold together drained pasta, 2 cups cottage cheese, 1 24-oz jar marinara sauce, ½ cup pesto, 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and ½ tsp each salt and pepper, along with half of the 8-oz package mozzarella cheese.
- Assemble: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spoon the pasta mixture into the dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil covering, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C), and continue cooking until the top is golden in spots and melty, about 10 minutes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the pasta bake for up to one month; thaw before baking.
- For make-ahead convenience, assemble and refrigerate the dish overnight, then bake when ready.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this pasta bake suitable for gluten-free diets.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
495kcal
(25%)
Carbohydrates
58.7g
(20%)
Protein
30.8g
(62%)
Fat
14.2g
(22%)
Cholesterol
37mg
(12%)
Sodium
1111mg
(46%)
Potassium
109mg
(2%)
Fiber
3.4g
(14%)
Sugar
7.6g
(15%)
Calcium
456mg
(46%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 495
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 495kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 58.7g | 20% |
| Protein | 30.8g | 62% |
| Fat | 14.2g | 22% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 1111mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 109mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 3.4g | 14% |
| Sugar | 7.6g | 15% |
| Calcium | 456mg | 46% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.