This cottage cheese & broccoli pasta bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein! The cottage cheese blends right into the sauce, making it extra rich without being heavy. Plus, the tender broccoli adds a fresh, veggie-packed bite.
It’s a family-friendly, comforting meal that’s super easy to make. Let’s get baking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Pro Tips
⭐ Blend the cottage cheese if you want a super smooth sauce!
⭐ Slightly undercook the pasta before baking—it will finish cooking in the oven.
⭐ Roast the broccoli first for extra flavor and a bit of crispness.
⭐ Want it extra crispy? Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before baking.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Blender or food processor (optional)
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Substitutions & Variations
✔️ No Cottage Cheese? Swap with ricotta or Greek yogurt.
✔️ Make It Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free pasta.
✔️ Add More Protein? Stir in cooked chicken or ground turkey.
✔️ Spice It Up? Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
How to Make Cottage Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake
1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cottage Cheese Sauce
In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, black pepper, and salt until smooth. (Blend if you want a creamy sauce!)
3. Combine Everything
In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta, broccoli, and cottage cheese sauce until well coated. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
📸 AI Image Prompt: Ultra close-up of a baking dish filled with creamy pasta and broccoli, spread evenly and ready to be topped with cheese. White marble counters with hints of gold. With all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
5. Add Cheese & Bake
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve warm!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw before baking again!
Enjoy!
This cottage cheese & broccoli pasta bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with goodness. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family! Let me know if you try it. 😊🍽️✨