Creamy Baked Penne with Cottage Cheese, Eggplant and Salami: A Mediterranean Delight

The Baked Penne with Cottage Cheese, Eggplant and Salami is a delicious combination of Italian and Mediterranean flavors that make up a very comforting and filling meal. It’s something where tenderly baked penne pasta has been well flavored with salami’s strong tasted, cherry tomatoes’ faint sweetness and eggplants’ natural taste.

There are many easy weekend dinner dishes. However, this healthy and creamy vegetable baked penne with cottage cheese is one of the favories and best for me, personally.

On a creamy cottage cheese, the red bell pepper and baby spinach brighten it up with their fresh flavors and vivid colors, having a slightly sour aftertaste. This tasty meal presents myriad sensations of taste because melted mozzarella mixed with fresh parsley creates a combination of different tastes and textures all over it. This is simple and flawless recipe for baked penne.

Required Ingredients for Baked Penne with Cottage Cheese Eggplant and Salami:

1. 12 ounces cherry tomatoes
2. 12 ounces penne
3. 4 ounces hard Italian salami, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
4. 1 cup sliced banana pepper rings
5. 2 tablespoons capers, drained
6. 1 small eggplant (about 12 ounces), peeled and diced
7. 4 ounces sliced black olives, drained
8. 2 cups baby spinach, packed
9. 1 cup sliced banana pepper rings
10. 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
11. 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
12. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
13. 16 ounces cottage cheese (4% milkfat, about 2 cups)
14. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
15. 8 ounces shredded mozzarella (about 2 cups)
16. 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Easy Homemade Instructions for Baked Penne with Cottage Cheese, Eggplant, and Salami

Also Read: Ultimate Campfire BBQ Chicken Recipe | Mouth Watering Barbecue Chicken Recipe Step By Step

Preheat and Prep first:

• At the begining, preheat 400°F (200°C) to your oven. And then make ready a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Gather the Ingredients:

• Add the raw penne to the baking dish.
• And not Put the cherry tomatoes, olives, salami, spinach, banana peppers, capers, garlic, eggplant and red bell pepper over the top.
• Then Sprinkle 1 tablespoon kosher salt and a good deal fresh ground black pepper over top. 

Add some water and Cottage Cheese:

• Let’s pour the 2 cups of water over the ingredients.
• And dollop the cottage cheese on the top.

Cover and Bake:

• Now cover the baking dish tightly with almunium foil But remember handle with care.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, until the penne is al dente (firmly cooked) and the cottage cheese is melted and bubbling.

Uncover and Finish Baking:

• Now you can uncover the dish and some drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
• And stir gently and widely to combine all the ingredients.
• Now you have to sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
• Continue to bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and colored into golden in spots.

Cool and Garnish:

• Now, take out and let the dish cool in room temprature for 10 minutes.
• You can top with finely chopped fresh parsley now.
• Add seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste, if you like to, otherwise let it be same.

Tips for the perfect and Authentic Recipe:

• Ingredient Quality: You have to always use the high-quality salami and fresh vegetables for the perfect flavor.
• Cheese Melt: Also ensure that the mozzarella is evenly spread for a perfect golden topping.
• Resting Time: Let the baked pasta rest before serving to allow flavors to meld.

If you have any suggestion or messages after reading this recipe, please feel free to email us, or directly comment down below. Thank you.