Description
Creamy Cottage Cheese Chicken Fireside Pasta Bake — a cozy, high-protein comfort meal that transforms simple cottage cheese into a velvety pasta sauce. This hearty bake features whole wheat rotini tossed with shredded chicken, garlic, and a smooth blended cottage cheese base, topped with melted mozzarella and baked until golden. Ideal for winter dinners, meal prep, and family-friendly comfort food, this recipe is easy to customize with veggies, herbs, or a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken
- 1 cup cottage cheese, blended smooth
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes
- Optional: 1 tbsp cream cheese for extra richness
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until completely smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta with the shredded chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add optional sautéed vegetables if using.
- Transfer the pasta-chicken mixture into a greased 8×8 or similar baking dish and spread evenly.
- Pour the blended cottage cheese over the top and spread gently so most pasta is covered. Dot or mix in the optional cream cheese if using.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden. For extra browning, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
- Let rest 5 minutes before scooping and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Blend cottage cheese 60–90 seconds for the creamiest texture.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Sear cubed chicken in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side for golden edges like in the photo.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add 5–10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
- To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: creamy cottage cheese chicken pasta bake, high protein pasta bake, comfort food casserole, baked rotini with chicken, cottage cheese sauce recipe, healthy pasta bake, winter comfort meal, easy weeknight dinner