High Protein Cheesy Baked Pasta

Packed with flavor and nutrition, this High Protein Cheesy Baked Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist! Perfectly al dente whole wheat pasta is layered with a creamy blend of extra firm tofu, shredded chicken, ricotta, and fresh spinach, creating a protein-packed filling that’s both hearty and wholesome. Each layer is smothered in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce and topped with a golden blanket of melty low-fat mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, making every bite irresistibly cheesy. Not only is this dish easy to prepare in just over an hour, but it’s also a great make-ahead option ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Serve this satisfying yet guilt-free casserole with a fresh green salad for a balanced, delicious meal that everyone will love! Keywords: high protein pasta, baked pasta recipe, cheesy pasta casserole, healthy comfort food, family dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat pasta
• 14 oz extra firm tofu
• 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 2 cups low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 cups spinach, fresh and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, crumble the extra firm tofu. Add the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4

In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce.

Step 5

Spread half of the tofu and chicken mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer.

Step 6

Repeat layering with the remaining pasta, tofu and chicken mixture, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 7

Pour the remaining 2 cups of tomato sauce evenly over the assembled dish.

Step 8

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the aluminum foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 11

Allow the baked pasta to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2746.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3286.8

Total Fat 141.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 875.2mg	0%
Sodium 6303.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 150.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.5g	0%
Total Sugars 30.1g
Protein 361.9g	0%

Vitamin D 73IU	0%
Calcium 5834.6mg	0%
Iron 30.4mg	0%
Potassium 4311.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.4%

Protein: 43.5%

Carbs: 18.1%