Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
High Protein Pasta Bake Recipe

40g Protein Pasta Bake Recipe Your Family Craves

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A hearty pasta bake made with lean ground beef and high-protein pasta for a satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground sirloin or lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
  • 32 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 pound high protein pasta, such as rigatoni or farfalle
  • 1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese or whipped cottage cheese
  • 3 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
  • chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil.
  2. Cook the ground meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the fat renders and the meat browns and crumbles. Add the onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook until the onion softens.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is tender but still has a bite, following the package directions. Drain the pasta and stir it into the sauce. Spread this mixture onto your prepared baking sheet.
  5. In a bowl, stir the cottage cheese and 1 cup of the Italian cheese together with the remaining salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dollop this cheese mixture over the pasta. Spread the remaining 2 cups of Italian cheese over the top.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dish is bubbly, lightly browned, and crisp around the edges.

Notes

  • You can use any high-protein pasta shape you prefer.
  • Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg