High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake

A creamy broccoli cheddar pasta bake made with blended cottage cheese, milk, garlic, and pasta, then baked until bubbling and golden.

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 30 min · Yield: 6 · Method: Oven

Ingredients

• 12 ounces short pasta
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Cooking instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil. (about 5 min) — 375°F
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Add the broccoli during the last 3 minutes. Drain well. (about 10 min) — Boiling
3. Blend the cottage cheese, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth. (about 3 min)
4. Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot over low heat. Pour in the cottage cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated and hot, about 2 minutes. (about 2 min) — Low
5. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and sprinkle the cheddar evenly over the top. (about 2 min)
6. Bake until the sauce bubbles around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, 15 to 18 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. (about 18 min) — 375°F