Pin it Experience the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist in this High-Protein Pizza Pasta Bake. This dish perfectly marries the savory, bold flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza with the hearty, satisfying nature of a warm pasta casserole. It is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or as a high-protein meal prep option that doesn't compromise on taste.
Pin it What sets this recipe apart is the creamy, protein-packed sauce made with Greek yogurt and melty mozzarella. It provides a luxurious texture that normally requires heavy cream, but here it keeps the nutritional profile lean. Combined with lean ground beef and zesty pepperoni, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) high-protein penne or rotini pasta
- Meats
- 8 oz (225 g) lean ground beef
- 2 oz (55 g) turkey or regular pepperoni, sliced
- Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup (150 g) sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Sauce
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt (2% or fat-free)
- 1 cup (110 g) part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Topping
- ½ cup (55 g) part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 oz (28 g) pepperoni, extra, for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms; sauté another 3 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 4
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Step 6
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef-vegetable sauce, sliced pepperoni, and yogurt-cheese mixture. Toss well to coat.
- Step 7
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella and extra pepperoni slices.
- Step 8
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Step 9
- Let rest 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the dish remains lean, focus on the quality of your protein. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if desired. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables to keep the sauce clean and flavorful.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra nutrient boost, feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or olives to the vegetable mix. To increase fiber and protein even further, use whole-wheat or chickpea-based pasta. If you have dietary restrictions, check labels for gluten-free pasta and nitrate-free pepperoni options.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this hearty pasta bake with a fresh green salad to add a light, crunchy element to your meal. For those who enjoy a complete experience, a glass of dry Italian red wine pairs beautifully with the savory, herb-infused marinara sauce.
Pin it Whether you are feeding a hungry family or looking for a delicious way to hit your protein goals, this High-Protein Pizza Pasta Bake is a winner. Its blend of classic Italian-American flavors and wholesome ingredients makes it a recipe you will return to time and time again. Enjoy your meal!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular pasta instead of high-protein pasta?
Yes, regular penne or rotini works perfectly. Whole-wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and protein if you want to boost the nutritional content.
- → How long does this pasta bake last in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven.
- → Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- → What makes this dish high in protein?
The combination of high-protein pasta, lean ground beef, Greek yogurt, and mozzarella cheese delivers 31g of protein per serving, making it ideal for muscle recovery.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. The yogurt-cheese sauce still provides plenty of protein.