High Protein Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this High Protein Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake—a wholesome, flavor-packed dish that combines comfort food indulgence with a nutritious twist. Made with whole wheat pasta, tender bites of chicken breast, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy blend of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and melted mozzarella, this recipe is the perfect balance of hearty and healthy. Infused with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, and topped with golden, bubbly cheese, every bite is a satisfying explosion of flavor. With 35 grams of lean protein per serving and the goodness of baby spinach, this protein-rich pasta bake is as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family, this dish is easy to prepare in just under an hour and pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams whole wheat pasta
• 500 grams chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 250 grams cottage cheese
• 100 grams Greek yogurt
• 150 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 100 grams baby spinach

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

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

Step 3

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Stir in the cooked pasta, chicken, sautéed vegetables, and spinach into the cheese mixture. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well-coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9

Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve hot. Enjoy your high-protein pasta bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1744.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2527.9

Total Fat 101.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 607.4mg	0%
Sodium 5241.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 136.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.7g	0%
Total Sugars 35.1g
Protein 257.4g	0%

Vitamin D 75IU	0%
Calcium 2081.3mg	0%
Iron 13.6mg	0%
Potassium 2521.5mg	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: 36.8%

Protein: 41.3%

Carbs: 21.9%