01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium. Sauté 1 medium yellow onion until soft, then add 4 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute. Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 2 (16 oz) containers low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This high-protein blend is key for your Heavenly High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
03 -
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 3 oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the cottage cheese blend, then half of the thawed and squeezed 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, and 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese. This forms the delicious core of your Heavenly High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
04 -
Repeat the layering: place 3 more oven-ready lasagna noodles, another layer of marinara, the remaining cottage cheese blend, the rest of the spinach, and 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese. Ensure even distribution for a balanced bite.
05 -
Finish with 3 more oven-ready lasagna noodles and the remaining marinara sauce. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake helps the noodles soften and the flavors meld for your Heavenly High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
06 -
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This creates a beautiful, irresistible crust.
07 -
Remove the Heavenly High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, preventing a messy slice. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves before serving.