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Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Hack!

Discover the easiest, creamiest cottage cheese pasta bake for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor and incredibly simple to make!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 -8
Course: Dinner Recipes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
  • 1 16 ounce container full-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk any kind
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • Optional: Cooked ground meat sautéed vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms), fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the cottage cheese mixture. Gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
  6. Spoon the pasta and cottage cheese mixture over the marinara sauce. Spread it out into an even layer.
  7. Top the pasta layer with the remaining marinara sauce. You can swirl it in slightly if desired.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
  10. Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if using.