Protein Packed Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake

Protein Packed Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake

Looking for a creamy, cheesy dinner that’s packed with protein? This Protein Packed Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake is just the thing! It’s the ultimate comfort food, made even better with cottage cheese for an extra protein boost. Whether you're craving a cheesy casserole or trying to sneak more veggies and protein into your meals, this dish is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein thanks to cottage cheese

• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

• A comforting dish the whole family will love

• Simple ingredients with a big payoff

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta)

• 3 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1/2 cup milk (or additional cottage cheese for extra creaminess)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs + 1 tablespoon melted butter for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little oil or butter.

2. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli until tender (about 5 minutes), then chop it into smaller pieces.

4. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion in oil or butter over medium heat until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute. In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, chicken broth, milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and seasonings. Stir until smooth.

5. Combine pasta and broccoli: Add the cheese mixture to the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir to combine and let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes.

6. Assemble the bake: In a large bowl, mix the pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, and if you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top with melted butter.

7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

8. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Substitutes: You can use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version or swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.

• Make it your own: Add cooked chicken or turkey for more protein, or sprinkle fresh herbs on top for added flavor.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook.

• Can I freeze it?
  Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.

Serving Suggestions

This Protein Packed Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some garlic bread for a full, satisfying dinner.

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350

• Protein: 18g

• Carbs: 30g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 5g

I hope you enjoy this Protein Packed Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake! It's a great way to get more protein into your meals while indulging in something comforting. Let me know how it turns out in the comments, or tag me in your social media posts—I’d love to see your version!