Description
This Easy Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake is a delicious and nutritious one-dish meal featuring whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection with a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 8 oz. uncooked whole wheat rotini pasta (224g) or other short pasta
- 1 lb. 96/4 ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Sauce and Dairy
- 3 cups marinara sauce (750g), divided
- 1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese (113g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (112g), divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 7x11-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta briefly to stop cooking and set aside.
- Cook Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until no longer pink. Then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking briefly to incorporate flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg briefly to blend. Add the cooked ground beef, cooked pasta, 2 cups of marinara sauce, cottage cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use low-fat mozzarella and cottage cheese to reduce fat content further.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
