Name: Easy Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups mini pepperoni, divided; 2 cups cooked pasta, such as rotini or penne; 1/2 cup diced bell pepper; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley

Description

Easy Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake is a cozy, protein-packed dinner that brings together creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, savory marinara, and classic pizza toppings in one easy baked dish. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight, hearty enough for family dinner, and delicious as leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups marinara or pizza sauce

1 1/2 cups mini pepperoni, divided

2 cups cooked pasta, such as rotini or penne

1/2 cup diced bell pepper

1/4 cup sliced black olives

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper until combined.

3. Fold in the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, bell pepper, olives, and 1 cup mini pepperoni.

4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

5. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and the remaining mini pepperoni.

6. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

7. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

8. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Full-fat cottage cheese gives the bake a creamier and richer texture.

You can swap the pasta for cooked vegetables or shredded chicken for a lower-carb variation.

Letting the bake rest before slicing helps it set and makes serving much easier.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 385
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: pizza cottage cheese bake, easy pizza bake, cottage cheese casserole, pepperoni pasta bake