High Protein Cheesy Baked Penne

Get ready to experience ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist in this High Protein Cheesy Baked Penne! Packed with tender penne pasta, lean ground turkey, hearty spinach, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this recipe delivers on both flavor and nutrition. A combination of creamy cottage cheese, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan creates the perfect melty layers for a golden, bubbly finish that's irresistible. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a protein boost from wholesome ingredients, this dish is ideal for healthy weeknight dinners or meal-prep lunches. It’s a family-friendly classic reinvented to fuel your day without sacrificing indulgence. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, this cheesy casserole will quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1.5 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp 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, add the penne pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the onion and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 5

Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, meat sauce mixture, cottage cheese, and chopped spinach.

Step 8

Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta.

Step 9

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 12

Let the baked penne cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your high protein cheesy baked penne!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2296.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3069.4

Total Fat 102.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 475.6mg	0%
Sodium 5988.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 340.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.1g	0%
Total Sugars 62.5g
Protein 220.9g	0%

Vitamin D 9.6IU	0%
Calcium 2202.3mg	0%
Iron 30.5mg	0%
Potassium 5479.4mg	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: 29.1%

Protein: 27.9%

Carbs: 43.0%