Looking for the perfect cottage cheese recipes that goes beyond breakfast? You’ve found it! As a culinary expert specializing in healthy dinner recipes, I’m excited to share this game changing cottage cheese recipe that transforms this protein packed ingredient into a mouthwatering main course. This recipe has become our blog’s most requested cottage cheese recipe, with readers praising its creamy texture and rich flavor.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs and vegetables, making it a reliable go to dish for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining. Our unique preparation method ensures the cottage cheese maintains its rich, creamy consistency while blending seamlessly with Italian-inspired flavors and fresh ingredients. After years of recipe development and countless reader testimonials, I can confidently say this dish will change the way you think about cottage cheese forever.

Why this cottage cheese recipes stands out:

Transform humble cottage cheese into a crowd pleasing dinner with our protein packed stuffed shells recipe a quick, beginner friendly dish that’s become our readers favorite way to enjoy cottage cheese beyond breakfast. Ready in just 30 minutes and boasting 28g of protein per serving, these creamy, kid-approved shells are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re new to cooking with cottage cheese or looking for a make ahead friendly dinner option that’s both nutritious and delicious, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Medium

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Ingredients

• 24 jumbo pasta shells

• 16 oz (2 cups) full-fat cottage cheese, strained

• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 24 oz marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Directions

• – Prepare Your Base :
  Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute to keep them slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly before handling.
• – Create the Cottage Cheese Mixture :
  In a large bowl, combine the strained cottage cheese with the other filling ingredients. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
• – Assemble and Bake :
  Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each jumbo shell with the cottage cheese mixture, then arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the dish. Once all the shells are in place, top them with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cottage Cheese Recipe

Choosing Your Cottage Cheese

For the best cottage cheese recipe results, select full-fat cottage cheese and strain excess liquid.

– Make-Ahead Options for This Cottage Cheese Recipe

• Prepare up to 24 hours in advance
• Freeze unbaked dish for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight before baking

– Cottage Cheese Recipe Variations

• Meat Lover’s Version: Add Italian sausage
• Garden Fresh: Include roasted vegetables
• Herb Lovers: Double the fresh herbs

– Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 4 shells
• Calories: 425
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g

Troubleshooting Tips

Common Issues and Solutions

• Watery filling: Strain cottage cheese thoroughly
• Broken shells: Cook pasta al dente
• Dry texture: Don’t skimp on sauce
• Uneven cooking: Rotate dish halfway through baking

Storage Tips for Your Cottage Cheese Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or whole dish covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Recipe Variations

Meat Lover’s Version

• Add 1 pound cooked Italian sausage to filling
• Mix with cheese mixture before stuffing shells

Garden Fresh

• Add 1 cup roasted vegetables
• Include bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms

Herb Lovers

• Double all fresh herbs
• Add 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• Include 1/4 cup fresh parsley

Expert Cottage Cheese Recipe Tips

• Strain cottage cheese thoroughly for best texture
• Bring eggs to room temperature before mixing
• Don’t overfill shells
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Cottage Cheese Recipe FAQs

Q: Can I use low-fat cottage cheese in this recipe?
A: Yes, though the filling may be slightly less creamy. Strain well before using.

Q: How do I prevent my cottage cheese recipe from becoming watery?
A: Always strain the cottage cheese and squeeze spinach thoroughly before mixing.

Q: Can I make this cottage cheese recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: Is this cottage cheese recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Share Your Cottage Cheese Recipe Success!

Did you try our favorite cottage cheese recipe? We’d love to see your results! Share your photos and tag us @Wonder.Recipes, or leave a comment below with your cottage cheese recipe variations.