Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining creamy cottage cheese with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s an easy dish that feels special and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Step 4: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce mixture before baking.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top after baking adds a fresh aroma and color.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta is a great substitute that will give the bake a smoother, creamier texture.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
Yes, cooking the pasta until al dente before baking ensures it has the right texture and absorbs the sauce well during baking.
PrintCottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe
This comforting Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake combines tender pasta with creamy cottage cheese and vibrant marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan for a deliciously cheesy finish. Perfect for a family dinner that’s both hearty and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce mixture and gently stir to evenly coat all the pasta.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the bake to set slightly.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute part of the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce mixture for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Keywords: cottage cheese pasta bake, baked pasta, cheesy pasta casserole, easy pasta bake, vegetarian pasta
