Description
This hearty Baked Penne with Cottage Cheese, Eggplant, and Salami combines tender roasted eggplant and savory salami tossed with creamy cheeses and marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting Italian-inspired pasta casserole perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 ounces salami, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting and baking the dish.
- Roast the Eggplant: Toss the diced eggplant with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Cook the Pasta: While the eggplant roasts, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Mix the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy cheese base.
- Combine Pasta and Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, roasted eggplant, marinara sauce, and chopped salami to the cheese mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly integrated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the baked penne cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute salami with pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
- For extra creaminess, mix in an additional 1/4 cup of ricotta or cottage cheese.
- If you like spicier dishes, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.