Best Baked Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe With Cottage Cheese

If you’re looking for a hearty and wholesome vegetarian meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this baked vegetarian spaghetti recipe with cottage cheese is an absolute winner. Combining al dente spaghetti, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cottage cheese, this dish is an elevated take on classic baked pasta that even meat-lovers will adore.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekend cooking, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between cheesy indulgence and nutritious goodness.

What makes this baked spaghetti truly special is the use of cottage cheese, which adds a subtle tang and light creaminess without overpowering the fresh vegetable flavors. Layered with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach, every bite bursts with texture and color.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, making it a versatile staple in any vegetarian kitchen. Get ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a soul-satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile and nutritious: This baked spaghetti combines the protein-packed goodness of cottage cheese with fresh vegetables, making it a balanced and filling meal.

Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe that yields impressive results.

Comfort food classic with a twist: Baked spaghetti is a family favorite, and the addition of cottage cheese gives it a delightful creamy texture without the heaviness of ricotta or mozzarella alone.

Make ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti (whole wheat or regular)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Stir in mushrooms and red bell pepper, cooking for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened and lightly browned.
6. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the vegetable mixture with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the vegetable mixture and marinara sauce in the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
8. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
9. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture in your prepared baking dish. Dollop and spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
10. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and cottage cheese mixture, smoothing the top.
11. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for a golden crust.
12. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or vegetable mix.

You can swap out mushrooms and bell peppers with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli. Roasting these veggies beforehand adds a deeper flavor profile.

Use low-fat or regular cottage cheese based on your preference, and if you want a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.

For a vegan adaptation, substitute cottage cheese with a cashew cream or tofu ricotta and use vegan cheese alternatives.

Make this dish ahead of time by assembling everything and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This baked vegetarian spaghetti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complements the meal perfectly, soaking up every bit of the rich tomato sauce.

For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving alongside Kosher Lasagna or a light appetizer like Kosher Sushi Salad.

To finish on a sweet note, indulge with a slice of Manny Randazzo King Cake for a festive touch.

Conclusion

This baked vegetarian spaghetti with cottage cheese is the perfect dish to bring comfort and nutrition to your table. Its creamy layers, vibrant vegetables, and rich tomato sauce make it a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone in your household.

Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking to add more meatless meals to your rotation, this recipe hits all the marks for taste and health.

Give it a try for your next dinner party or weeknight meal, and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures that come together in every cheesy, veggie-filled bite. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site to keep your cooking adventures exciting and flavorful!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Baked Vegetarian Spaghetti with Cottage Cheese”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and hearty baked spaghetti dish featuring creamy cottage cheese and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal that the whole family will love.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz spaghetti”, “2 cups low-fat cottage cheese”, “3 cups marinara sauce”, “1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1 medium onion, finely chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 teaspoon dried basil”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, sauce, and cottage cheese; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}