Craving the warm, cheesy comfort of Mom’s classic lasagna but want a meal that’s quick, gut-friendly, and packed with wellness benefits? This High-Protein Cheesy Penne Lasagna Bake delivers all the hearty flavors you love—savory grass-fed beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella—in a fraction of the time.
With 41g of protein per serving, it’s a powerhouse for muscle recovery, but that’s just the start.
The grass-fed beef and garlic offer anti-inflammatory benefits to support heart and gut health, while parsley and onions provide prebiotics and antioxidants for better digestion and immunity.
Made with nutrient-dense Barilla Protein+ pasta, this dish keeps you energized without bloating, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for your busy week. It’s comfort food that nourishes both body and soul!
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 box Barilla Protein+ penne
- 1 lb lean grass-fed beef
- 1 jar (24–26 oz) organic spaghetti sauce
- 3/4 cup skim ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup Good Culture cottage cheese (add a bit more for extra creaminess, if desired)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1–2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Handful fresh parsley, chopped
- Shredded mozzarella and fresh Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Barilla Protein+ penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with minced garlic, diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the organic spaghetti sauce and heat through, letting the flavors meld.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a blender or food processor, blend the skim ricotta, Good Culture cottage cheese, and a handful of fresh parsley until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large baking dish, layer the cooked penne, followed by the ricotta-cottage cheese mixture, and then the meat sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and irresistible.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color, and serve hot.
Macros (Per Serving, 1/6 of Recipe)
- Calories: 483 kcal
- Protein: 41g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 47g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Penne Lasagna Bake is a weeknight game-changer! It captures the soul-warming essence of traditional lasagna but swaps the time-consuming layering for a simple, toss-and-bake approach. The Barilla Protein+ pasta and lean grass-fed beef boost the protein content, making it a fantastic option for those looking to fuel their bodies without sacrificing flavor. The creamy ricotta-cottage cheese blend adds a rich, velvety texture, while the fresh parsley and hint of Italian seasoning bring that homemade taste you grew up loving. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for a busy week!
Tips
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the bake a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, just pop it in the oven for a stress-free meal.
- Customize It: Swap beef for ground turkey or add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.
Don’t forget to check out our recipe page for even more gut friendly meals!