Easy, High-Protein Pasta Bake
When you need a quick, nutritious weeknight meal that you'll actually eat, try this high-protein pasta bake!
Servings: 8
Calories: 441kcal
Equipment
- Blender (or food processor)
- 9x13 baking dish
- rubber spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Large pot
- Colander
Ingredients
- Cooking Spray
- Large pinch Salt
- 4 c Water
- 16 oz Pasta of Choice
- 2 Zucchini
- 24 oz Marinara or tomato-based sauce of choice
- 16 oz Cottage Cheese
- 1 Tbs Italian seasoning
- 2 c Grated mozzarella
- 1 c Grated parmesan
Instructions
- Spray a 3-quart baking dish (9x13 inch) with cooking spray and set aside.Cooking Spray
- Add a large pinch of salt and at least 4 cups of water to a cooking pot and bring it to a boil.Large pinch Salt, 4 c Water
- When the water is bubbling quickly, add your pasta of choice and cook for 2 minutes less than the package says (for example: if it says 9-11 minutes, cook for 7 minutes). Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking.16 oz Pasta of Choice
- Cut the zucchini into large chunks.2 Zucchini
- Add the marinara, zucchini, cottage cheese, and seasonings to a blender or food process, and process until smooth. Use the rubber spatula to scrape the sides down if needed.24 oz Marinara, 16 oz Cottage Cheese, 1 Tbs Italian seasoning
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
- At this point, the pasta should be done. Strain the water out of the pasta, reserving about ½ c of the cooking water (this will make your pasta creamy and delicious). Add the pasta and the cooking water back into the pot.
- Add the blended sauce to the pot, and stir the pasta, water, and sauce together until mixed well. It should be smooth, but not watery.
- Spoon half of the pasta mixture into your baking dish. Top with 1 cup of grated mozzarella, and ½ c of grated parmesan.2 c Grated mozzarella, 1 c Grated parmesan
- Repeat the same steps: spoon the rest of the pasta on top of the first layer, then add the rest of the mozzarella and the rest of the parmesan. Optional: top with another sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Bake at 400℉ for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 312g | Calories: 441kcal | Protein: 26g
