Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist—our High Protein Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake! This hearty dish features tender chunks of seasoned chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy blend of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and aromatic herbs. Topped with bubbly, golden mozzarella and Parmesan, this bake achieves cheesy perfection while packing a protein punch to keep you energized. Ready in under an hour, it's wholesome enough for a weekday meal yet indulgent enough to impress dinner guests. Perfect for those seeking a high-protein, balanced, and delicious pasta bake, this recipe is a family-friendly favorite!
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the whole wheat pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve hot. Enjoy your high-protein pasta bake!
Calories |
2528 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.8 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.2 g | 206% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 607 mg | 202% | |
| Sodium | 5242 mg | 228% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.3 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.7 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.1 g | ||
| Protein | 257.4 g | 515% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 2081 mg | 160% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2522 mg | 54% | |
*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.