Cottage Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

Name: Cottage Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well); 1 medium broccoli head, cut into florets (about 4 cups); 1 ½ cups cottage cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

February 27, 2025

0

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Cottage Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

A Cottage Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Bake is an incredibly versatile, comforting, and healthy meal that combines the richness of pasta, the nutritional benefits of broccoli, and the creaminess of cottage cheese. It is a dish that works well as a weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days. This recipe can easily be modified to suit various dietary preferences, and it provides a delicious way to sneak in some extra vegetables while still being satisfying and indulgent.

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or any other similar-sized ovenproof dish with olive oil or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup if desired.

2. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente (firm to the bite).
Drain the pasta, then set it aside.

3. Blanch the Broccoli:

While the pasta is cooking, bring another pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water.
Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender but still firm.
Immediately transfer the broccoli to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the broccoli well, then roughly chop it into smaller pieces.

4. Sauté the Onion and Optional Spinach:

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
If using spinach, add it to the pan and cook until wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, grated mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and milk. Stir well until everything is fully combined and creamy.
Add the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. You can use a whisk or a hand blender if you prefer a smoother texture, especially if you want to eliminate the lumpy texture of cottage cheese.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed (a pinch of salt or pepper can often enhance the flavors).

6. Combine the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion (and spinach, if used), and the prepared cottage cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

7. Assemble the Bake:

Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella cheese for a melty, golden topping.
If desired, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top for added texture.

8. Bake the Pasta:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
If you like your pasta bake to be extra crispy, you can turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

9. Let It Cool and Serve:

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Additional Tips and Variations:

Vegetarian Protein Boost: Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, lentils, or tofu to this dish to increase the protein content. Tofu cubes can be sautéed with the onions for added flavor.
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Vegan Version: For a vegan version of this bake, swap the cottage cheese with a vegan alternative like cashew cream or vegan ricotta cheese. Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to gel) and use dairy-free cheese. Use plant-based milk for the sauce.
Meat Options: For a non-vegetarian version, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or ground beef. Simply sauté your chosen protein before combining it with the pasta and sauce mixture.
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Flavor Add-ins: You can experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice can all be added to enhance the flavor profile.
Make Ahead: This pasta bake can be prepared a day ahead. Assemble everything, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven since it will be cold from the fridge.
Freezing: This dish also freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Conclusion:

This Cottage Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy comfort and nutritional goodness. It’s an ideal way to get a good serving of vegetables, and the creamy sauce made with cottage cheese makes it feel indulgent without being overly heavy. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner, a meal prep option for the week, or simply craving a comforting dish, this pasta bake will hit the spot.

Yield: 6