High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna (Print Version)

Enjoy a satisfying High Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna. Layers of pasta, savory sauce, and protein-packed cottage cheese make a delicious, healthier meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Marinara Foundation

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1 tsp dried basil
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ High-Protein Cottage Cheese Blend

09 - 2 (16 oz) containers low-fat (2%) cottage cheese
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Lasagna Layer Essentials

15 - 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
16 - 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry

→ Golden Topping & Fresh Finish

17 - 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
18 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Instructions:

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.

# Notes:

01 - For an even richer sauce, consider adding 1/2 lb lean ground turkey or beef to the marinara during the onion sauté step.
02 - Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
03 - If oven-ready noodles aren't available, use regular lasagna noodles, boiled al dente according to package directions before assembling.
04 - Serve this hearty lasagna with a fresh green salad and a side of crusty whole-grain bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large saucepan or Dutch oven
03 - large mixing bowl
04 - measuring cups and spoons
05 - cutting board
06 - chef's knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 368 kcal
Total Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
Protein: 30 g