Description
A delicious and hearty protein-packed pasta bake that combines flavorful ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup white mushrooms (diced)
- 14 oz. canned diced tomatoes
- 1 660 ml jar pasta sauce (about 2 cups)
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 2 heaping cups baby spinach (chopped)
- 1 340g box protein penne
- 1 cup cottage cheese (I use 2%)
- 1/4 cup light cream cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley or basil (optional, chopped, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large frying pan or skillet, warm the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the turkey, onion, garlic, red pepper, mushrooms, and cook, browning the meat.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the protein pasta just until firm/very al dente – about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix in the chopped spinach and allow the mixture to simmer.
- Stir pasta into the pan, along with the cottage cheese and cream cheese. Mix everything together until well-combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the cheeses.
- Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
Notes
- This dish can be topped with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor.
- Cooking time may vary based on oven calibration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg