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Healthy Cottage Cheese Baked Rigatoni Recipe

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4.4 from 10 reviews

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Baked Rigatoni is a comforting and nutritious twist on a classic baked pasta dish. Featuring a creamy mixture of cottage and ricotta cheeses seasoned with Italian herbs and lemon zest, combined with sautéed fresh spinach and a flavorful marinara sauce, all layered with rigatoni pasta and topped with melted mozzarella. It’s baked to golden perfection, making it a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and delicious.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup 4% fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp lemon zest

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 6 oz fresh baby spinach
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Sauce & Toppings

  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain well using a colander.
  3. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Sauté the Spinach: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add fresh baby spinach, season with salt and pepper, and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Mix Pasta with Sauce and Spinach: Return the drained rigatoni to the cooking pot. Add the sautéed spinach and entire jar of marinara sauce. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: In a 7.5″ x 10.5″ casserole dish (or similar size), spread half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom. Dollop half of the cottage and ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top.
  7. Finish Assembly: Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Top the entire casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and beginning to turn golden brown on top.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving. Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free rigatoni to modify for dietary restrictions.
  • The lemon zest adds a subtle brightness, but you can omit if preferred.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen, but thaw and drain excess water before sautéing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/healthy-cottage-cheese-baked-rigatoni-recipe/