High-Protein Pizza Pasta Bake

This High-Protein Pizza Pasta Bake is a hearty, protein-packed meal that brings the flavors of your favorite pizza into a comforting pasta dish. Featuring lean beef, pepperoni, and a creamy high-protein yogurt-cheese sauce, it’s baked to melty perfection for a satisfying dinner that doesn't compromise on nutrition.

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With a total time of just 50 minutes, this recipe is accessible for a busy weeknight while providing a high-protein option for the whole family. It serves six people, making it an excellent choice for a healthy gathering or having leftovers ready for the next day's lunch.

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) extra pepperoni for topping, fresh basil or parsley (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

For the best nutritional profile and texture, use whole-wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein. Be sure to cook the pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to soften during the 20-minute baking process in the oven.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly versatile; you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner profile. To pack in more nutrients, feel free to add spinach, diced zucchini, or sliced black olives into the sauce mixture before baking.

Serviervorschläge

To round out the meal, serve this hearty bake alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry Italian red wine to complement the savory marinara and pepperoni flavors.

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Enjoy this high-protein twist on a classic comfort dish. With its blend of savory meats, gooey mozzarella, and a hidden protein boost from the Greek yogurt, it is sure to become a staple in your healthy dinner rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular pasta instead of high-protein pasta?

Absolutely. Traditional penne or rotini works well, though the total protein per serving will be lower. Consider adding extra lean beef or incorporating a scoop of protein powder into the sauce if you want to maintain the high-protein content.

→ Is the Greek yogurt sauce tangy?

The yogurt adds a subtle tang but blends smoothly with mozzarella and Parmesan for a rich, creamy texture. The marinara and seasonings balance any tartness, resulting in a mild, comforting sauce that appeals to all palates.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking cold. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

→ What vegetables work best in this bake?

Bell peppers and mushrooms complement the Italian flavors beautifully. You can also add spinach, zucchini, olives, or even chopped broccoli for extra nutrients. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for even cooking.

→ Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Definitely. Wrap the cooled, unbaked bake tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Alternatively, bake first, cool completely, and freeze individual portions for easy reheating.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based crumbles or increase the vegetables and beans. The sauce flavors pair nicely with various proteins.