Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with golden cheese topping, fresh basil, and pasta sauce

Ingredients You'll Need

These wholesome ingredients create a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Cottage cheese transforms from a breakfast staple into a creamy pasta sauce that's naturally lower in fat than traditional Alfredo while packing more protein.

• 1 lb whole grain or regular pasta

• 2 cups cottage cheese (2% or full-fat)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ⅓ cup whole milk or Greek yogurt

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• Fresh basil for garnish

The cottage cheese base provides approximately 14 grams of protein per half-cup, while the pasta and additional cheese layers create a complete protein that supports muscle recovery and keeps you satisfied for hours.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente (about 1 minute under package time), then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce. Set pasta aside.

3. Create the Sauce Base

4. In a food processor, blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This should take 1-2 minutes. The sauce will be thicker than traditional Alfredo—this is intentional for baking.

5. Combine Components

6. In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with the cottage cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water 2-3 tablespoons at a time until you reach desired consistency. Fold in cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach gently.

7. Layer in Baking Dish

8. Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan.

9. Bake Until Golden

10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

11. Serve and Enjoy

12. Garnish with fresh basil and an additional drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve hot as a complete meal or pair with a light green salad for extra vegetables.

Serves 6

Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights

1. Complete Protein: 27 grams per serving from cottage cheese, pasta, and additional cheese

2. Vegetable-Rich: Cherry tomatoes and spinach add lycopene, iron, and antioxidants

3. Digestive Support: Whole grain pasta option adds fiber; cottage cheese provides probiotics

4. Bone Health: Triple cheese content delivers substantial calcium for strong bones

5. Meal Prep Friendly: Freezes beautifully and reheats in 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes

Why These Ingredients Work So Well Together

Cottage Cheese: Provides creaminess and substantial protein without the heavy fat of traditional cream sauces. Its curds create a unique texture that becomes silky when blended while maintaining structural integrity during baking.

Whole Grain Pasta: Offers complex carbohydrates and fiber for sustained energy. The nutty flavor complements the creamy sauce while providing nutritional depth traditional pasta lacks.

Spinach: A powerhouse of iron, magnesium, and vitamin K. Wilts into the pasta while adding color, nutrition, and subtle earthiness that balances the rich cheese sauce.

Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with flavor and provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Their sweetness cuts through the cream sauce while adding brightness and nutrition.

Pro Tips and Cooking Variations

• Don't Skip the Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is crucial for creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta rather than clumping.

• Make It Meat-Free or Add Protein: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, diced chicken, or ground turkey after creating the sauce for a heartier version.

• Use Part Greek Yogurt: Swap half the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt for tangier flavor and even higher protein.

• Add Extra Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli all work beautifully stirred in before baking.

• Batch Cook and Freeze: Assemble the dish, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve this pasta bake alongside a fresh Caprese salad for Italian-inspired nutrition. Pair with garlic bread made from whole grain bread for a restaurant-quality meal at home. For those watching carbs, serve alongside roasted vegetables instead of extra pasta. This dish pairs beautifully with light white wines like Pinot Grigio, but works equally well with iced lemon water or unsweetened tea.