Description
This protein-packed pasta bake offers a healthier, creamy alternative to traditional heavy cream bakes. By blending high-protein cottage cheese into a sauce, you achieve a luscious, velvety texture that binds tender diced chicken, al dente noodles, and fresh spinach. Perfectly balanced for a busy weeknight, this one-dish wonder finishes with a bubbly, golden mozzarella crust, providing a nutritious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast, diced into cubes
12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
2 cups cottage cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1.5 cups mozzarella, shredded
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta for two minutes less than package instructions.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through.
Add onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
Drain the pasta and combine it in a large bowl with the cottage cheese, chicken mixture, and fresh spinach.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
Using chickpea pasta can further increase the protein content of this meal. Ensure the cottage cheese is blended if you prefer a completely smooth sauce consistency. Freshly grated mozzarella is recommended for the best melt quality.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg