High Protein Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Meal Prep (Print Version)
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a high protein, satisfying meal prep solution. Enjoy this easy, cheesy dish for a nutritious weeknight dinner or lunch.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7)
03 -
12 oz penne pasta
→ The Creamy Cottage Core
04 -
2 cups 2% cottage cheese
05 -
1/2 cup 2% milk
06 -
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
07 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 -
5 oz fresh spinach
→ Aromatic & Savory Boosters
09 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
10 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
12 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
13 -
2 tsp Italian seasoning
14 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
15 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside. This is the first step for our Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake | High Protein Meal Prep.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Add 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7) to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups 2% cottage cheese, 1/2 cup 2% milk, 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This creamy mixture is essential for your Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake | High Protein Meal Prep.
05 -
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the turkey mixture. Stir in the cottage cheese mixture and 5 oz fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined for your Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake | High Protein Meal Prep.
06 -
Transfer the entire pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bake is bubbly and lightly golden on top. For the best Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake | High Protein Meal Prep, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
This pasta bake is excellent for meal prep! Store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
02 -
Feel free to substitute ground chicken or a plant-based crumble for the ground turkey to adjust the protein source.
03 -
For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the bake during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
04 -
Serve this hearty bake with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Mixing bowls
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Cutting board
08 -
Knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 534 kcal
Total Fat: 17 g
Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
Protein: 40 g