If you're looking for the easiest comfort meal that's still packed with protein, this Lazy High Protein Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients like pasta, marinara sauce, farmer's cheese, and mozzarella, this dish comes together in minutes and bakes into a creamy, cheesy, satisfying meal your whole family will love (including your picky eaters). This dish is naturally vegetarian and still contains 31 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving!
This high protein pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something cozy without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's truly one of those "dump and bake" style recipes you'll keep coming back to.
If you enjoy this recipe and looking for more ideas check out my Chicken Fajita Casserole with Rice, One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon, Chicken and Zucchini Orzo, and my Unstuffed Pepper Skillet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super easy dump-and-bake recipe
- High in protein and filling
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food
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Ingredients
- Brami pasta - A high protein pasta that makes this dish more filling and nutritious.
- Marinara sauce - Pasta sauce adds rich tomato flavor and moisture to the bake.
- Farmer's cheese - Adds creaminess and boosts protein.
- Mozzarella cheese - Melts on top for a cheesy, golden finish.
- Spinach - Adds nutrients and a pop of color.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl or directly in a 9x13 baking dish, combine cooked al dente pasta, marinara sauce, farmer's cheese, and spinach. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble: Spread into an even layer and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted, golden cheese.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then scoop and serve.
Substitutions
- Brami pasta: Use chickpea pasta, whole wheat pasta, regular pasta, red lentil pasta or gluten-free pasta.
- Marinara sauce: Substitute with tomato basil sauce, vodka sauce, or homemade tomato sauce.
- Farmer's cheese: Use low-fat cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or Greek yogurt.
- Mozzarella cheese: Swap for Italian blend, cheddar, or dairy-free cheese. You can also use parmesan cheese with gives you that classic cheesy flavor.
- Spinach: Use kale, zucchini, mushrooms, or leave out if preferred.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a dairy-free ricotta substitute.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is already a vegetarian pasta bake as written.
- High Protein Add-In: Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or ground beef for extra protein.
Variations
- Meat Lover's Pasta Bake - Add cooked lean ground beef, turkey, or sausage to make a meat sauce.
- Chicken Pasta Bake - Stir in shredded or diced cooked chicken.
- Veggie Loaded Bake - Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- More Nutrients- add nutritional yeast for more nutrients
- Spicy Pasta Bake - Add red pepper flakes or spicy marinara sauce.
- Extra Cheesy Bake - Add parmesan or more mozzarella on top.
- Creamy Tomato Bake - Mix in a little cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Equipment
- 9x13 casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Oven
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- This pasta bake is great for meal prep and can be portioned into containers.
- You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Christinas Dietitian Tip
This high protein pasta bake is a great balanced meal with protein from the pasta and cheese, plus added nutrients from spinach. Using high-protein pasta like Brami or chickpea pasta can help keep you fuller longer and support muscle recovery. For an even more balanced meal, add lean protein like chicken or turkey and include extra vegetables for fiber. This dish is truly one of my favorite comfort foods! And all the simple swaps make it a great choice for anyone who is on a healthy eating journey.
FAQ
Yes, assemble it ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
The combination of high protein pasta and farmer's cheese boosts the protein content.
Yes, cottage cheese works great as a substitute.
Add cooked chicken, ground beef, or turkey.
High Protein
More high protein recipes:
One Pan
Easy one pan dinners:
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Lazy High Protein Pasta Bake
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 (8.8 oz) box Brami Curly Mac (or any Brami pasta) cooked
- 1 24 oz Rao's Marinara Sauce
- 1 16 oz Lifeway Farmer's Cheese or cottage cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 cups spinach fresh
Instructions
- Preheat Oven- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix Ingredients- In a large bowl or directly in a 9x13 baking dish, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, farmer's cheese, and spinach. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble- Spread into an even layer and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake- Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted, golden cheese.
- Serve- Let cool slightly, then scoop and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- See more guidelines at USDA.
Ann says
This was really good! My family enjoyed it!