High Protein Classic Baked Pasta

Elevate your dinner game with this High Protein Classic Baked Pasta, a wholesome twist on a comforting favorite! Packed with lean ground turkey, whole grain penne, and nutrient-dense spinach, this dish is a perfect balance of hearty and healthy. A savory tomato sauce infused with Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes provides bold flavor, while creamy cottage cheese and a golden layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan take it to the next level. Ready in just an hour, this easy-to-make, protein-rich pasta bake is ideal for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you're looking for a satisfying family dinner or a nourishing weeknight meal, this baked pasta recipe is sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams whole grain penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 500 grams ground turkey
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 400 grams diced tomatoes
• 250 grams tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 150 grams fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 200 grams cottage cheese
• 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground 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 whole grain penne pasta and cook until al dente, around 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and cottage cheese. Mix well to ensure the pasta is well coated.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 9

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your high-protein classic baked pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2450.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3937.9

Total Fat 144.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 55.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 580.1mg	0%
Sodium 6153.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 441.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.6g	0%
Total Sugars 51.1g
Protein 247.8g	0%

Vitamin D 8IU	0%
Calcium 2577.2mg	0%
Iron 34.0mg	0%
Potassium 3396.6mg	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: 32.1%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 43.5%