Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake (Printable)

Creamy whole wheat penne with lean beef and cottage cheese delivers 35g protein per serving.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Cheese

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→ Meat & Vegetables

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→ Sauces & Seasonings

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→ Garnish

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# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat penne until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain thoroughly, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water if needed for later.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
04 - In a mixing bowl, blend cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
05 - In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta first. Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the pasta, then pour the marinara sauce on top. Gently mix to combine.
06 - Spoon the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta and spread evenly with a spatula. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, covering the surface completely.
07 - Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling around the edges.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

# Expert Tips:

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  • High Protein: Each serving delivers 35g of protein, making it excellent for muscle recovery and satiety.
  • Whole Food Ingredients: Uses whole wheat pasta and lean ground beef for better fiber and lower fat content.
  • Creamy Texture: The combination of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt creates a luscious sauce that melts beautifully.
  • Easy Preparation: A straightforward process that takes only 40 minutes from start to finish.
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  • Al Dente is Key: Underboiling the pasta slightly prevents it from becoming mushy during the baking process.
  • Internal Temp: Ensure the ground beef reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Resting Period: Letting the dish sit for 10 minutes helps the sauces set, making it much easier to serve neat portions.
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