How to add more protein to pasta bake?

Use high-protein pasta, lean meat like turkey or 93% lean beef, and swap ricotta for cottage cheese. You can also stir in Greek yogurt, add egg whites, or top with grilled chicken for an extra boost.

Does baked ziti have protein?

Yes, but it depends on the ingredients. Traditional versions may only offer 10–15g per serving. This high-protein version provides 35–40g by using smart swaps like protein pasta and lean meats.

What to add to pasta to make it more protein?

Try adding cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, protein powder (unflavored), lean meats, or even beans. Swapping white pasta for legume-based pasta also adds a significant protein bump.

Can you use cottage cheese in pasta bake?

Absolutely. It’s a fantastic replacement for ricotta. It melts smoothly when baked, has more protein, and less fat. It also blends well with tomato sauce and adds creaminess without overpowering the dish.

High Protein Baked Ziti 1 Irresistible Recipe

Name: High Protein Baked Ziti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ box protein pasta (ziti or penne); 1 lb lean ground beef (93%); 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese; 1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella; ¼ cup grated Parmesan; 1 jar low-sugar pasta sauce; ½ chopped zucchini; ½ yellow onion, diced; Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper

Description

This high protein baked ziti is a comfort food favorite turned muscle-building meal. With lean beef, cottage cheese, and high-protein pasta, it packs 40g protein per serving.

Ingredients

Scale

½ box protein pasta (ziti or penne)

1 lb lean ground beef (93%)

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella

¼ cup grated Parmesan

1 jar low-sugar pasta sauce

½ chopped zucchini

½ yellow onion, diced

Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Cook pasta just under al dente.

2. Brown ground beef with spices, onions, and zucchini.

3. Mix pasta, meat, sauce, and cottage cheese in a bowl.

4. Transfer to baking dish, top with cheeses.

5. Bake at 375°F for 25 min covered, then 10 min uncovered.

6. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Swap meat for ground turkey or tempeh for variety.

Add a scoop of unflavored whey to cottage cheese for extra protein.

Portion into meal prep containers for 3–4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: high protein baked ziti, protein pasta, cottage cheese pasta bake