Description

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a scrumptious dish filled with hearty flavors and comforting ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and rich cottage cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’ll surely please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz tube pasta (rigatoni or penne)
1 large yellow onion (diced)
2 large garlic cloves (minced)
1 large zucchini (chopped)
8 oz bella mushrooms (sliced)
1 lb ground beef (turkey, or chicken)
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 ½ cup cottage cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried or fresh parsley
Salt & pepper (to taste)
4 – 8 oz fresh mozzarella (torn)
1 – 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1–2 tbsp of olive oil. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the zucchini and mushrooms to the pot. Let them sit undisturbed for 5–8 minutes to brown, then stir and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
Push the veggies to one side of the pot and add the ground meat. Break it up and cook for 4–5 minutes until mostly cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add the cottage cheese to the meat and vegetable mixture and stir until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Toss in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 dish, top with torn mozzarella, and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley on top.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner variations.
Add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.
Make ahead and store in the fridge for a quick meal option!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg