High Protein Lazy Lasagna is a comforting, flavor-packed twist on a classic—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner without the prep hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna offers all the flavor and texture of traditional lasagna with far less effort and more nutritional benefits:
- High in protein, making it perfect for fitness goals or a balanced diet.
- Quick and easy—no layering or complicated steps.
- Kid-friendly and family-approved.
- Customizable with different protein, pasta, or sauce options.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched)
1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
2 cups marinara sauce (no sugar added)
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 cups reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add ground turkey or chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned. Drain any excess liquid.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, cottage cheese, and ricotta cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: ~395 kcal
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- Different cheeses: Swap in goat cheese, feta, or sharp cheddar for a unique twist.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free high-protein pasta.
- Low-carb: Substitute the pasta with sliced zucchini or spaghetti squash.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze individual portions or the entire bake for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating:
- Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.
FAQs
How Much Protein Is In Each Serving Of This Lasagna?
Each serving contains approximately 35–40 grams of protein, depending on the specific pasta and cheese brands used.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.
Is Cottage Cheese Necessary?
Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein. If you dislike it, you can use more ricotta or substitute with Greek yogurt.
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead Of Turkey Or Chicken?
Yes, just opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish lower in fat and calories.
What’s The Best Pasta To Use For High Protein?
Chickpea or lentil-based pasta is a great choice, but there are also protein-enriched wheat pastas available in most stores.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
You can use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese alternatives. Just note the texture may slightly vary.
Is This Recipe Suitable For Kids?
Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavors make it very kid-friendly.
Can I Double The Recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly to ensure even cooking.
What Kind Of Marinara Sauce Should I Use?
Look for a no-sugar-added marinara sauce with simple ingredients to keep the dish healthy and clean.
Can I Add Vegetables To This Lasagna?
Definitely. Diced zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sautéed with the meat or mixed into the cheese layer.
Conclusion
This High Protein Lazy Lasagna delivers everything you love about traditional lasagna—comfort, flavor, and satisfying texture—without the heavy prep or nutritional guilt. It’s the ideal dish to support your health goals while feeding the whole family with ease. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want a no-fuss, delicious dinner.
Explore More Cheesy & High-Protein Comfort Foods
If you’re a fan of hearty, high-protein meals like this lazy lasagna, you’ll love our Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Fiesta, packed with flavor and protein. For a baked twist, try the Creamy Basil Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake, or go for extra richness with the Creamy Boursin Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe. Prefer a pasta-free option? Dive into the Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites Recipe or a satisfying Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan that’s full of spice and flavor.
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High Protein Lazy Lasagna
Description
A delicious and protein-rich lasagna bake made with high-protein pasta, lean meat, and cheesy layers — quick, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched)
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
- 2 cups marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 cups reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add ground turkey or chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Drain excess liquid.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, meat sauce, cottage cheese, and ricotta until combined.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or lentil pasta for additional fiber and protein.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Great for meal prep — reheats well.