This Viral Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Pasta is the cozy, cheesy answer to pizza cravings when you want comfort food that actually pulls its weight. It's high protein, made with simple ingredients, and gives full pizza night energy without a traditional pizza crust.

an overhead shot of a baking dish full of pizza pasta that's inspired by the viral cottage cheese pizza bowl - using high protein rotini pasta.

Why You'll Love it

This viral Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Pasta is one of those recipes that surprises you in the best way. If you're a cottage cheese lover-or even just cottage cheese-curious-this one is about to earn a permanent spot in your rotation! It takes everything people love about the viral pizza cottage cheese bowl and turns it into a full, hearty pasta bake that feels cozy, indulgent, and still totally doable for a weeknight.

The creamy cottage cheese base melts right into the marinara sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture without a splash of heavy cream in sight. If the texture of cottage cheese has ever given you pause, this is the perfect way to ease in. I recommend Good Culture cottage cheese because it's the best! I love this small curd cottage cheese because it's got the best texture, but if you're not into the mouthfeel, no worries! Just blend it in a food processor for an ultra-smooth finish. No matter which route you take, the result is cozy, cheesy, and wildly satisfying.

You'll also love that this easy dinner recipe packs serious grams of protein and is lower carb thanks to Carbe Diem Pasta. This makes it a great option if you're focused on protein intake or looking for a lower carb or low-carb option with a pasta swap. It's also perfect for meal prep, reheats like a dream, and keeps well in an airtight container for easy lunches. Think easy lunch, delicious snack, or a lighter dinner that still delivers full delicious pizza energy.

And the customization options? Endless. Go classic with turkey pepperoni, or bulk it up with ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, or italian sausage. Add green peppers, mini bell peppers, black olives, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Swap in italian chicken sausage, keep it meatless, or pile on extra mozzarella cheese-because when the cheese melts, life is simply better. It's basically a crustless pizza bowl recipe meets pasta bake meets comfort food moment. And yes, it absolutely crushes those pizza flavor cravings!

a close up look at the texture of this viral cottage cheese pizza bowl pasta.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here's everything you'll need for the whole recipe. Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings.

Rotini pasta: Carbe Diem Pasta keeps this high protein and lower carb, but any pasta works. You'll definitely want to use this low carb pasta as your base.
Marinara Sauce: You can also use pizza sauce or tomato sauce if that's what you have.
Cottage Cheese: Full fat gives best results, but low-fat cottage cheese works too. Small curd or blended cottage cheese both work. If you don't like the texture of the cottage cheese, you can totally blend it up in a food processor or blender.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth. Also, more protein!
Mozzarella Cheese: Whole milk melts best and gets that golden brown finish.
Italian Seasoning: Essential for classic pizza recipes vibes.
Garlic Salt: Garlic powder works too.
Turkey Pepperoni: Regular pepperoni is fine, or skip for vegetarian.
Fresh Basil: Brightens everything right at the end.
Hot Honey: Optional, but a great way to balance the savory flavors.

a blue baking dish full of high protein cottage cheese pizza pasta.

How to Make the Viral Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Pasta

This is the perfect way to turn a cottage cheese mixture into a cozy baked pasta with major pizza energy. Here's how to turn the viral cottage cheese pizza bowl into a delicious pasta recipe for meal prep.

PREHEAT THE OVEN: Set your oven to 400°F and grab an oven-safe baking dish or oven-safe pot.
COOK THE PASTA: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook pasta about two minutes short of al dente.
MAKE THE SAUCE: Over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, italian seasoning, and garlic salt in an oven-safe dish. Stir until warm and creamy.
COMBINE: Drain pasta and fold it into the sauce until evenly coated.
TOP IT: Smooth the top, add remaining mozzarella cheese, then scatter turkey pepperoni or your favorite toppings on top.
BAKE: Transfer to the oven and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
FINISH: Top with fresh basil and drizzle with hot honey before serving.
SERVE: Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of hot honey, then serve warm while the cheese is melty and golden brown.
SAVE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.

Meal Prep Option

This is a great way to prep easy lunches for the week without getting bored. Let the pasta cool completely, then portion into individual containers (an oven-safe bowl with a tight fititng lid works best) and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until the cheese melts and the pasta is warmed through. If you're prepping ahead, add the fresh basil and hot honey after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

a white countertop with a blue baking dish full of pizza pasta made with high protein carbe diem pasta and cottage cheese.

What to Serve It With

This cottage cheese pizza bowl recipe works great with raw veggies, pita chips, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables. It's filling enough to stand alone but also pairs well with lighter sides. I also have a whole collection of Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes if you're interested!

And for more cottage cheese recipes, try these:

Recipe