Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake

If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at 6:07 p.m. thinking, “I need something filling, easy, and please let it taste like comfort,” this Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake is about to become your new weeknight bestie. It’s warm, cheesy, and secretly packed with protein—like a casserole wearing a cute little “I go to the gym” hat.

This is one of those recipes that feels like a hug (the kind where nobody asks you to “just hop on a quick call”). It’s simple enough for a busy Tuesday, but delicious enough that your family will think you’ve been plotting it all day.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake

• Big comfort, low effort: It’s basically pasta + sauce + cheese magic, baked until bubbly.
• Protein-packed without being “diet food”: Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt make it creamy and satisfying.
• Perfect for picky eaters: Everything gets tucked under marinara and melted cheese like a delicious disguise.
• Meal-prep hero: Leftovers reheat like a dream (and may even taste better the next day).

I’m all about recipes that feel doable—even when life is loud, the laundry is multiplying, and dinner needs to happen now. This one checks every box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your grocery list (and yes, it’s all easy-to-find stuff):

• 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta or Fusili
• 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
  (This lean ratio keeps the protein high without turning your bake into a grease situation.)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cottage cheese
  (Full-fat is my favorite for the smoothest texture and best flavor.)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups marinara sauce
  (A quality sauce makes a bigger difference than we’d like to admit.)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  (Fresh-grated melts beautifully—worth the extra 30 seconds.)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake

Before you start: I highly recommend prepping everything first—onion diced, garlic minced, cheeses ready. This recipe moves fast once the stove is on, and nobody needs the stress of chasing a garlic clove across the cutting board.

Step 1: Cook the pasta (but don’t overdo it)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package says.

Drain it really well (wet pasta can make the bake watery), and save 1/2 cup pasta water—just in case you want to loosen the mixture later.

Step 2: Brown the beef with onion and garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic.

Cook 8–10 minutes, until the beef is fully browned and reaches 165°F internally. Drain excess grease if needed, then season with:

• Italian seasoning
• salt
• pepper

At this point your kitchen should smell like you’ve got your life together. (Even if you absolutely do not.)

Step 3: Mix the creamy protein base

In a mixing bowl, stir together:

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Mix until smooth and creamy. This is the “secret sauce” of the whole dish—protein-rich, tangy, and surprisingly luxurious once baked.

Step 4: Layer it up

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

In a large baking dish:

1. Add the cooked pasta
2. Add the beef mixture
3. Pour in the marinara sauce

Gently mix so everything is evenly coated.

Optional: If it looks a little thick or dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Add the cottage cheese mixture and all the cheese goodness

Dollop the cottage cheese + Greek yogurt mixture over the pasta and spread it out with a spatula.

Then top with:

• shredded mozzarella
• grated Parmesan

Don’t be shy—this is the part that makes it feel like comfort food, not “protein food.”

Step 6: Bake until bubbly and golden

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up so you can slice it nicely (and also prevents molten cheese lava from burning your mouth… I speak from experience).

Finish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

My Favorite Tips (Because We All Like Easy Wins)

• Full-fat cottage cheese = best texture. Low-fat can bake up a bit grainy. Still tasty, but not as creamy.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. It keeps cooking in the oven, and mushy penne is… not the vibe.
• Use a marinara you actually like. This is one of those recipes where the sauce flavor really shows.
• If the cottage cheese looks “lumpy” at first, don’t panic. Once it bakes under sauce and cheese, it turns creamy and dreamy. (It’s like a glow-up, but for dairy.)

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake became a repeat in my house after one of those weeks where I needed dinner to pull its weight—comforting, filling, and something that wouldn’t leave everyone hungry an hour later.

The first time I made it, I told myself it was “just a quick bake.” Then I caught people going back for seconds like it was a holiday meal. That’s when I knew: this one wasn’t just dinner… it was a keeper.

FAQs About Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake

Bring This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake to Your Table Tonight

If you need a dinner that’s cozy, filling, and doesn’t require a culinary degree (or a quiet house), this Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake is the answer. It’s cheesy comfort with a protein boost, and it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel taken care of—even if your day was pure chaos.

When you make it, sprinkle that parsley, take a bite, and enjoy the moment. Because honestly? You deserve a dinner that feels like a win.

Keep the Dinner Magic Going

• If you’re in the mood for another cozy, cheesy bake night, try Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake for an easy weeknight win—it’s the same “pop it in the oven and exhale” energy as this Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake.
• Want a comfort-food reset for the next day? Scoop up a bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup that feels like a warm hug—perfect when you need something soothing (or when everyone suddenly “has a little sniffle”).
• If you love that creamy Italian vibe, you’ll probably swoon for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta that’s quick, rich, and family-approved—a great option when you want pasta without turning on the oven.
• And if your heart says “more protein, more comfort,” don’t miss High Protein Veggie Lasagna for a hearty, feel-good dinner—it’s another satisfying bake that makes leftovers something to actually look forward to.

And hey—if you made this Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (be honest—your stars help other home cooks choose dinner with confidence!).

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