High Protein Pasta Bake with Spinach

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High Protein Pasta Bake with Spinach

I finally found an easy sheet pan dinner my kids love and bonus it's packed with protein and veggies! I love to get the noodles a little crispy too, I hope you love this as much as we do!
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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 bowl for mixing
  • 1 pot for cooking noodles
  • 1 cookie sheet / sheet pan for baking meal

Ingredients
  

Pasta Bake

  • 1 box brami/ banza pasta Cook al dente and KEEP 1/2 cup of the pasta water I love that those brands have 21gs protein per serving
  • 1/2 cup pasta water
  • 1 cup cottage cheese I love 2% good culture
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1- 1 1/2 cups red sauce of choice depends on how saucy you like it!
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup onion - sautéed diced
  • 1-2 tsp minced garlic or two garlic cloves
  • 2 cups spinach - sautéed until wilted
  • bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini chopped optional - to add in more veggies!
  • 1 cup ground beef /turkey /chopped chicken pre-cooked and totally optional

Bread Crumb Topping

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs I used panko /sourdough bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 450
  • Cook pasta al dente, I like to add sea salt to my water
  • Pour 1/2 cup of the pasta water out and save for later, then drain your pasta and set aside
  • While the pasta is cooking sauté your spinach, onions, garlic and any other added vegetables (red peppers, broccoli etc). Once wilted turn off heat and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl mix together the pasta, pasta water, cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, sea salt, red sauce, mozzarella cheese, sautéed veggies and added protein if you are adding it.
  • Spread this mixture onto a 9x13 cookie sheet or sheet pan in an even layer.

Bread Crumb Topping

  • Mix together the bread crumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning and sea salt.
  • Sprinkle over the top of the pasta and place in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
  • If you like a little bit crispy noodles you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes!
Keyword one pan, pasta, sheet pan
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