High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna (Print Version)
High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna offers a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Enjoy layers of pasta, savory sauce, and creamy cottage cheese.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
05 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
06 -
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
07 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
08 -
Salt and pepper to taste
09 -
12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
→ The Creamy Protein Powerhouse
10 -
4 cups (32 oz) low-fat cottage cheese (1% or 2%)
11 -
1 large egg
12 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
14 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Flavorful Layers & Golden Topping
15 -
4 cups (16 oz) part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
16 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 -
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
02 -
Add 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes, 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This forms the hearty foundation for your Heavenly High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
03 -
While the sauce simmers, combine 4 cups (32 oz) low-fat cottage cheese (1% or 2%), 1 large egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well until thoroughly combined. This creamy protein powerhouse is key to the Heavenly High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
04 -
Spread about 1 cup of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 3-4 oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the cottage cheese mixture, then 1/3 of the 4 cups (16 oz) part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
05 -
Add another layer of 3-4 oven-ready lasagna noodles, remaining cottage cheese, and another 1/3 of the mozzarella. Top with the final 3-4 oven-ready lasagna noodles, remaining sauce, and the last 1/3 of the mozzarella. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil.
06 -
Bake for 30 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For the best Heavenly High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer sauce, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
02 -
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
03 -
Feel free to add cooked lean ground turkey or Italian sausage to the tomato sauce for an extra protein boost and heartier meal.
04 -
Serve this lasagna with a fresh green salad and some crusty whole-wheat bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large pot
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
cutting board
05 -
knife
06 -
measuring cups
07 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 506 kcal
Total Fat: 17 g
Total Carbohydrate: 47 g
Protein: 40 g