If you’re looking for a high-protein baked pasta that feels indulgent but still fits your macros, this Baked Mostaccioli is about to be on repeat. It’s loaded with lean ground turkey, layered with a creamy cottage cheese blend, and baked until perfectly melty and golden. You get all the cozy, cheesy pasta vibes without blowing your goals. It’s hearty, satisfying, and makes a BIG batch perfect for feeding a crowd or knocking out your meal prep for the week in one shot. Comfort food that actually works for you.

Recipe Makes: 12-13 Servings

*Per Seriving:
511 Calories
47g Protein
32g Carbs
22g Fat
(*Your macros might vary slightly based on your ingredients or brands of product)

Ingredients

4 Pounds 93% Lean Ground Turkey
16 Ounces Penne Pasta (Or Similar Style – Usually 1 Whole Box)
600g Marinara Sauce (1 Jar – I Used Rao’s)
700g 2% Cottage Cheese
100g ⅓ Less Fat Neufchatel Cream Cheese
200g Low-Fat Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
100g Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Cream Sauce

4 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
4 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Fennel Seed (I Used Whole, Uncrushed)
1 Teaspoon Paprika
2 Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic (I Used Fresh)
2 Teaspoons Onion Powder

Instructions

Grab all that ground turkey and all those seasonings and toss them into a large pan over medium heat. Brown the turkey completely. Once cooked through, drain off any excess fat.
While the turkey is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the box instructions. When it’s done, drain and rinse lightly.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and the cream cheese. Blend until super smooth and creamy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Now that your turkey, pasta, and cheese mixture are ready, grab a really large bowl and combine the drained pasta, cooked ground turkey, blended cottage cheese mixture, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Fold everything together gently until well mixed, then transfer to a large baking dish.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

This recipe makes about 13 servings at 11oz each, making it perfect for a large family or for serious meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you don’t need this much, simply cut all the ingredients in half to keep the same macros per serving.

Built for gains. Baked with love!
~Coach Ame