Cheesy Turkey and Spinach Family Casserole

• 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
5. Add the chopped spinach to the turkey mixture and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, turkey-spinach mixture, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef tips

• You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen chopped spinach; thaw and drain excess water before adding.
• For a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey with cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce calories or a dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-free.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the turkey mixture for extra veggies.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt with the cottage cheese.
• Be careful not to overcook the pasta before baking as it will continue to soften in the oven.