Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Loaded with tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, and creamy cottage cheese, this bake offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or hearty leftovers. Pair it with my Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread for a complete homemade dinner everyone will love.
Why You'll Love Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake – Easy, Comfort Food Classic
Make this Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake, a quick, easy, and family-friendly comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
- Deliciously creamy and cheesy with a healthy protein boost from cottage cheese.
- Easy to prepare using everyday pantry staples and basic ingredients.
- Family-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Comforting baked pasta with crispy cheesy edges and melty sauce.
Ingredients for Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake – Easy, Comfort Food Classic
Cottage cheese: Use low-fat or regular based on preference. For a smoother texture, blend cottage cheese before mixing.Pasta: Penne is ideal for holding sauce, but fusilli or rigatoni works great too.
- Cottage cheese: Use low-fat or regular based on preference. For a smoother texture, blend cottage cheese before mixing.
- Pasta: Penne is ideal for holding sauce, but fusilli or rigatoni works great too.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake – Easy, Comfort Food Classic are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake – Easy, Comfort Food Classic
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne and cook al dente according to package instructions (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Combine cheese and pasta: In a large mixing bowl, mix cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped spinach if using. Add the cooked pasta, then pour the sauce over. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Expert Tips for Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake – Easy, Comfort Food Classic
- For a smoother casserole, blend cottage cheese before mixing it with pasta.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright flavor finish.
- Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture after baking.
Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake – Easy, Comfort Food Classic
Make this Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake, a quick, easy, and family-friendly comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach (optional)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
How to Make Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne and cook al dente according to package instructions (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Combine cheese and pasta: In a large mixing bowl, mix cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped spinach if using. Add the cooked pasta, then pour the sauce over. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake – Easy, Comfort Food Classic FAQs
Yes! Assemble the bake and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for meal prepping.
Ricotta cheese is a great substitute but cottage cheese adds more protein and a lighter texture.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze in portions for longer storage.
Dry bake often means the pasta was overcooked or too little sauce was used. Soggy results from over-saucing or underbaking—ensure to bake until bubbly and golden.
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Before You Go
If you try this Irresistible Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake – Easy, Comfort Food Classic, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.