Pasta (Penne Rigate) with baked cottage cheese

Penne Rigate Pasta with Cottage Cheese Baked

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a dish that combines the perfect texture of pasta with the creaminess of cottage cheese? This baked Penne Rigate pasta recipe is not only a delicious idea for a quick dinner but also a dish that brings warmth and comfort to every meal. It is an easily adaptable recipe, adding a touch of creativity to each serving. Let’s discover together the necessary steps to achieve this delicious dish!

Recipe History

Recipes that combine pasta with cheese are found in various culinary cultures, rooted deeply in gastronomic traditions. Whether we are talking about pies, lasagna, or baked dishes, these combinations are always appreciated for their rich and comforting taste. This simple baked Penne Rigate with cottage cheese recipe is an accessible option, ideal for moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Necessary Ingredients

- 400 g Penne Rigate pasta
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 3 eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Pasta: Choose quality pasta, preferably whole grain, for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients. This will add a more interesting texture to the dish.

2. Cottage cheese: Make sure the cheese is fresh. Low-fat cottage cheese can make the dish lighter, but if you prefer a richer taste, choose a higher fat version.

3. Eggs: Use fresh eggs, preferably from free-range chickens, for better flavor and a more intense color in the dish.

4. Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on personal preferences. If you want a less sweet version, reduce the quantity.

5. Lemon zest: This will add a fresh aroma and a hint of acidity that will balance the sweetness.

Preparation Steps

1. Boil the pasta:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Once the water has started boiling, add the Penne Rigate pasta.
- Boil for 8-10 minutes or until al dente, according to package instructions.

2. Prepare the cheese mixture:
- In a large bowl, grate the cottage cheese, then add the eggs.
- Incorporate the sugar, vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, and grated lemon zest.
- Mix well until a homogeneous mixture forms.

3. Combine the ingredients:
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and quickly rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Add the pasta to the bowl with the cheese mixture and carefully mix to evenly coat the pasta.

4. Preheat the oven:
- While mixing the pasta, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes.

5. Baking:
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish or casserole.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes at 165 degrees Celsius, until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

6. Finishing:
- Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and, for added sweetness, sprinkle with sugar on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving

These baked Penne Rigate with cottage cheese can be served warm, alongside a fresh green salad. An excellent combination would be with a tomato and basil salad, which will add a fresh note to the dish. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or a fragrant herbal tea can perfectly complement the meal.

Useful Tips

- If you want to add extra flavor, try incorporating some dried fruit or nuts into the cheese mixture.
- For a healthier version, you can replace some of the sugar with honey or natural sweeteners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
- Certainly! Any type of pasta will work, but Penne Rigate is ideal due to its shape that holds the sauce well.

2. Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
- Yes, you can use ricotta or cottage cheese, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I make the recipe less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar or add savory ingredients like herbs.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze the uneaten portions. Make sure to cover them well to prevent freezer burn.

Nutritional Benefits

This cottage cheese pasta recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and whole grain pasta provides essential fiber. Lemon zest offers antioxidants, and eggs contribute to the intake of vitamins and minerals.

In conclusion, this baked Penne Rigate with cottage cheese recipe is an excellent choice for a quick and comforting dinner. Experiment with the ingredients and add your own variations to make this dish truly unique. Enjoy your meal!