Serves: 6–8
Protein: ~40–45g per serving
Ingredients
Pasta Layer
- 12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein spaghetti)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef (93–96%)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth)
- 1½ cups high-protein marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Creamy “Million Dollar” Layer
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup light cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup part-skim ricotta
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (low-fat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg (optional, helps set)
Topping
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. - Cook pasta
Boil pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make meat sauce
Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
Stir in marinara, blended cottage cheese, seasoning, salt & pepper. Simmer 5 min. - Mix creamy layer
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg (if using). - Assemble casserole
- Layer ½ pasta in dish
- Spread creamy layer evenly
- Add remaining pasta
- Pour meat sauce on top
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese
- Bake
Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Rest & serve
Let sit 10 minutes before slicing (worth it).
Protein Boost Options
- Add extra blended cottage cheese to sauce
- Use ground chicken + turkey mix
- Swap ricotta for Skyr for ultra-high protein
- Stir in collagen peptides (flavorless)
Make It Fit Your Goals
- Low-carb: Use spaghetti squash or hearts-of-palm noodles
- Meal prep: Keeps 4–5 days refrigerated
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked or unbaked
