A comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring creamy cottage cheese, roasted eggplant, and savory salami. This recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Cheesy – A mix of cottage cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella makes this dish ultra-creamy.
Savory and Satisfying – Salami adds a rich, slightly smoky flavor to complement the creamy cheese and tangy marinara sauce.
Easy to Make – Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this dish easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and reheat for a delicious meal during the week.
Perfect Comfort Food – Warm, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s a cozy meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces penne pasta
1 medium eggplant, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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)
1 cup marinara sauce
4 ounces salami, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss the diced eggplant with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
While the eggplant roasts, cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Add the cooked pasta, roasted eggplant, marinara sauce, and chopped salami to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian Option – Omit the salami or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free penne pasta for a gluten-free version.
Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicier dish.
Different Meats – Swap salami or cooked Italian sausage.
More Veggies – Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the baked pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

What can I use instead of eggplant?

Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great substitutes for eggplant.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli will work well.

Is this dish spicy?

Not necessarily, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting red pepper flakes.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

Yes, fresh mozzarella will create a gooey, creamy topping, but shredded cheese melts more evenly.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, turkey salami, and low-fat cheese for a lighter version.

Can I replace cottage cheese with something else?

You can use more ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven for the best texture or use the microwave for convenience.

Can I use a homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! A homemade sauce will add extra freshness and flavor.

What should I serve with baked penne?

A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

Conclusion

Baked penne with cottage cheese, eggplant, and salami is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal!

Baked Penne with Cottage Cheese, Eggplant, and Salami

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Author: sara
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This baked penne dish combines creamy cottage cheese, roasted eggplant, and savory salami for a deliciously hearty meal. Packed with cheesy goodness and rich flavors, this comforting pasta bake is perfect for a family dinner or an easy weeknight meal!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss diced eggplant with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
While the eggplant roasts, cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Add the cooked pasta, roasted eggplant, marinara sauce, and chopped salami to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit the salami or replace it with mushrooms.
Swap penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for later.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian