Name: Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups penne pasta, dry; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 4 large cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 3 cups baby spinach; 2 cups cottage cheese, 2%MF; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; Salt and pepper, to taste; 5 large leaves fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, nourishing meal that combines comfort and simplicity, this Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is about to become your new go-to. Packed with tender pasta, a rainbow of sautéed vegetables, creamy cottage cheese, and a bubbling layer of mozzarella, every bite is pure satisfaction—without any heaviness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping lunches for the week, or just hankering for a cozy dinner full of flavor and cheese, this bake is a healthy twist on classic comfort food that you’ll love making again and again.

Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list of ingredients is simple, approachable, and deliciously purposeful—each brings something unique to the table! Together, they create a layered, cheesy, veggie-packed bake that tastes every bit as inviting as it looks.

Penne pasta: Short pasta like penne holds the sauce perfectly and makes every serving delightfully fork-friendly.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies for extra flavor dimension.
Garlic: Fresh cloves boost the savory aroma and bring irresistible depth to the veggie mix.
Broccoli florets: Provides color, crunch, and extra nutrients you can see and taste.
Baby spinach: Wilts down into tender bites, adding green goodness to every forkful.
Cottage cheese, 2%: The secret to a creamy, wholesome base with extra protein and lightness.
Marinara sauce: Lends a tangy, tomato-rich backdrop that ties all the flavors together.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts to a golden, bubbly top—pure cheesy comfort.
Salt + pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient in the dish.
Fresh basil: A fragrant, vibrant garnish that adds a burst of freshness just before serving.

How to Make Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400F, so it’s hot and ready for the final bake. Meanwhile, bring a big pot of water to a boil—this is the perfect moment to chop your broccoli into small florets and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process a breeze and ensures your Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies comes together smoothly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Once your water is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt and cook the penne pasta until it’s just al dente, following your package instructions. Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture, so it won’t get mushy during the bake. When it’s ready, drain it and set aside—it’s pasta’s time to shine soon!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and broccoli florets, letting them cook together for about 7 minutes. The broccoli should brighten up and the garlic will smell amazing. Next, add your baby spinach, letting it wilt (which only takes a minute or two). Once the veggies are vibrant and tender, remove them from the heat.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Grab a large baking dish and add your cooked pasta, sautéed broccoli and spinach, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper. Now comes my favorite part—the big stir! Mix until every piece of pasta and every veggie is beautifully coated with creamy, tomatoey goodness. This is the heart of the Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies—don’t worry if it looks a little rustic, that’s part of the charm!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over every bit of your pasta mixture, aiming for an even coat. This simple step is what creates that irresistible golden crust that everyone rushes toward when the dish hits the table.

Step 6: Bake Until Gooey and Golden

Pop your baking dish into the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is gloriously melted and browned to your liking. When it’s bubbly and smells incredible, pull it out of the oven and finish it off with a generous scattering of chopped fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy—the Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is ready to wow!

How to Serve Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies

Garnishes

For a pop of color and zing, sprinkle your finished bake with fresh basil, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan can also add a touch of luxury right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies is a complete meal, but why not pair it with a crisp, lemony salad or roasted seasonal vegetables? A slice of good rustic bread will scoop up every saucy, cheesy bit—don’t let any of that go to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the pasta in individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or serve straight from the baking dish for family-style comfort. For a festive touch, nestle a spoonful into roasted bell pepper halves or top each portion with a pretty basil leaf and a cherry tomato for color and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Cool the Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Each portion reheats deliciously for fast lunches or fuss-free dinners.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Assemble the pasta bake, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies back to life, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or bake covered in a low oven (350F) until the cheese is bubbly again. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of water or marinara sauce before reheating to restore moisture.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape like fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells will soak up the sauce beautifully and hold up during baking.

Is it possible to make Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies gluten-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worries.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Definitely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the veggies before adding them to prevent a watery bake.

How can I add extra protein?

You can mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or even some cannellini beans for a bigger boost of protein without sacrificing the wholesome spirit of the dish.

Will this work with fat-free cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use fat-free cottage cheese, but the dish will be less creamy. For best flavor and texture, 2% or whole milk cottage cheese is my recommendation!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying, you simply have to try Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies. It’s an easy, feel-good crowd-pleaser that’s as perfect for a weekday dinner as it is for sharing at a potluck. Once you taste the cozy blend of veggies, cheese, and pasta, I think you’ll find it on repeat in your kitchen, too!

Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake With Veggies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this nutritious and flavorful Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake loaded with wholesome veggies and gooey cheese. A delightful twist on a classic pasta dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

Instructions

PREP: Preheat oven to 400F. Boil water in a large pot. Chop broccoli and mince garlic.
Cook pasta: Cook pasta al dente, drain.
Sauté veggies: Heat olive oil, sauté garlic and broccoli for 7 mins. Add spinach until wilted. Remove from heat.
Assemble: In a baking dish, combine pasta, veggies, cottage cheese, and marinara. Season with salt and pepper, mix well.
Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
Bake: Bake for 20 mins at 400F until cheese is melted and browned. Garnish with basil before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian