Cottage Cheese Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy meal that combines the flavors of pizza and pasta in one dish. With creamy cottage cheese, zesty marinara, and melty mozzarella, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Fold in the cooked pasta, pepperoni slices, black olives, and chopped green bell pepper until evenly distributed.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve hot for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini works well and holds the sauce nicely.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta?

Yes, pre-cooking the pasta ensures it is tender and properly cooked once baked. Undercooked pasta may remain hard after baking.

Cottage Cheese Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 119 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Pasta Bake is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender penne pasta, creamy cottage cheese, and classic pizza flavors like marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheesy top, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and easy to prepare.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Pasta & Cheese

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables & Toppings

• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

Seasonings & Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the other ingredients so it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix Sauce and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated for a flavorful base.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked pasta, pepperoni, sliced black olives, and chopped green bell pepper into the cottage cheese mixture. This ensures all components are evenly distributed.
5. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting cottage cheese pizza pasta bake fresh from the oven!

Notes

• You can substitute pepperoni with other protein options like cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
• For a creamier texture, add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture before baking.
• Make sure the pasta is not overcooked to avoid mushiness after baking.
• The dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Use low-fat cottage cheese and cheese to make this recipe lighter if preferred.

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta bake, pizza pasta bake, baked pasta recipe, easy casserole, comfort food, mozzarella pasta bake, Italian-American dinner