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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/cottage-cheese-pizza-pasta-bake-recipe/