Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Lasagna with Cottage Cheese that promises to be a game-changer in your culinary repertoire! Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta, creamy cottage cheese, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella creating a symphony of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This isn't just another lasagna recipe - it's a culinary experience that combines traditional Italian comfort food with a delightful twist that sets it apart from every lasagna you've ever tasted.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten egg, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Begin layering the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place three lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese layer.
- Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with another layer of noodles, remaining cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 cup marinara sauce.
- For the final layer, place the remaining three noodles on top. Cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella cheese on the very top layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it does not touch the cheese. This prevents excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 8 equal portions and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Always use al dente noodles: Cook your lasagna noodles just until they're tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking can lead to mushy layers.
- Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 15 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes cutting much easier.
- Create a moisture barrier: The thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the dish prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Don't skip the foil: Covering the lasagna initially prevents the top from burning while allowing the ingredients to cook thoroughly.
- Use fresh ingredients: While this recipe works great with dried herbs, fresh basil as a garnish can elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.
- Cheese matters: Use freshly grated cheese when possible, as it melts more smoothly and provides better flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Make ahead friendly: This lasagna can be assembled earlier in the day and refrigerated, then baked when you're ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
