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!
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
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
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