This one’s hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect when you want something warm and satisfying without going too heavy.
The cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess, the turkey sausage brings all the flavor, and the pasta ties it all together. It’s one of those recipes I keep going back to when I want comfort food with a little balance.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this after the holidays when I had leftover sausage and didn’t want another soup. I had cottage cheese in the fridge and figured—why not try something baked? And now it’s a go-to.
- It’s filling without feeling too heavy
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- The cottage cheese melts into the sauce so perfectly
- The turkey sausage adds so much flavor without needing extra spices
Servings and Time
- Serves: 6
- Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes bake)
Macros (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz ground turkey sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Non-stick spray for greasing baking dish
Pro Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t go mushy after baking
- Use small curd cottage cheese for better texture
- Brown the turkey sausage well to deepen flavor
- Add a little extra cheese on top if you like a crispier crust
- Let it rest a few minutes after baking so it holds together when serving
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Whisk or fork
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap penne for rigatoni, rotini, or elbows
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese
- Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when cooking the sausage
- Try Italian chicken sausage for a lighter option
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble everything in the baking dish and cover with foil. Refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze after baking — just cool completely and wrap well. Thaw overnight and reheat covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil 2 cups uncooked penne pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the turkey sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 12 oz ground turkey sausage and cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Mix the sauce and cheese base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1½ cups marinara sauce, 1 cup cottage cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Combine pasta, sausage, and sauce
Add the drained penne and cooked turkey sausage to the bowl with the sauce. Stir until everything is coated and evenly mixed.
Step 5: Layer into baking dish
Grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour in the pasta mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded parmesan evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions
- Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese melts down into the sauce while baking, giving it creaminess without needing heavy cream. The turkey sausage adds lean protein and rich, savory flavor. Using both mozzarella and parmesan creates the perfect cheesy melt and golden top.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta — it turns too soft in the oven
- Not browning the sausage well — you miss out on flavor
- Using watery cottage cheese — drain a bit if it’s very loose
- Skipping the rest time after baking — it helps everything set
What to Serve With
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Garlic knots or warm bread
- A cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water
FAQ
Can I use regular ground turkey instead of turkey sausage?
Yes, but you’ll want to add extra seasoning like fennel, garlic, and crushed red pepper.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free cheese and a tofu-based ricotta or blended cashew sauce in place of cottage cheese.
Does this freeze well?
Absolutely. Just bake first, cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat straight from frozen or after thawing overnight.
Is there a way to add veggies?
Yes! You can sauté spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the sausage.