Hidden Veggie Cheesy Baked Penne
A comforting baked pasta dish with blended zucchini and carrots hidden in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for picky eaters who love cheese. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 276 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup zucchini
- 1/4 cup carrot
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1/2 tsp olive oil.
- Step 2: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Finely grate 1/2 cup zucchini and 1/4 cup carrot, then combine with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup grated cheddar, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly distributed and no visible vegetables remain.
- Step 4: Stir 1/2 cup marinara sauce into the cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Add drained penne to the cheese mixture and toss gently until every piece is coated.
- Step 6: Transfer to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown around the edges and bubbling at the edges.
- Step 8: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Veggie Cheesy Baked Penne take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hidden Veggie Cheesy Baked Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Veggie Cheesy Baked Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hidden Veggie Cheesy Baked Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Hidden Veggie Cheesy Baked Penne?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect pasta recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
