🍽️ High-Protein Ricotta Bake (“Lasagna” Without Noodles)
📝 Description
This soft, creamy, lasagna-style bake is packed with protein and flavor — but without the heaviness of traditional pasta. It’s perfect for anyone in the soft to regular phase of bariatric or post-surgery eating, or simply those looking for a low-carb, high-protein comfort dish. It mimics lasagna but skips the noodles, making it lighter and easier to digest.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup marinara sauce (choose low sugar, ideally 4g or less per serving)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix base layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Layer it up: Spread the ricotta mixture into a small baking dish (around 8″x8″ or smaller).
- Top with marinara: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the top.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — it firms up as it cools.
🔁 Notes & Tips
- For more protein: Add 1–2 tablespoons of unflavored protein powder or collagen powder to the ricotta mixture.
- Add-ins: Mix in finely chopped spinach or cooked ground turkey/chicken for extra nutrition and texture.
- Texture tip: The longer it rests, the more it firms up. Great for slicing or scooping.
- Microwave version: You can bake this in a microwave-safe dish for 3–4 minutes (covered loosely) for a fast option.
- Use ramekins for individual portions and better portion control.
🍽️ Servings
Makes 4 servings (about ½ cup per serving)
🔬 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: ~150–170
- Protein: 12–14g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 4–6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2–3g
- Sodium: ~300–400mg (varies by sauce and cheese used)
🌟 Benefits
- High in protein – Ideal for post-op recovery or maintaining lean muscle.
- Low carb & gluten-free – Great for bariatric, keto, or diabetic diets.
- Soft and gentle – Easy on the digestive system during healing.
- Quick and easy – Minimal prep and great for busy weeknights.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely, slice into portions, and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat in microwave or oven.
Q: What kind of marinara should I use?
A: Choose a low-sugar, no-added-sugar marinara. Look for one with less than 5g sugar per serving.
Q: Is this suitable for the puree phase?
A: It’s best for the soft to regular phase. For earlier phases, puree the baked mixture before eating.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes — just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time by adding 5–10 minutes.