Cheesy lasagna, reimagined to be lighter and higher in protein. Try this viral lazy high-protein lasagna recipe — no chopping, no layering — for a satisfying, protein-forward dinner.
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If you want a big cheesy dish that won’t leave you exhausted afterward, this high-protein lasagna is an excellent option. It’s calorie-balanced, rich in protein, and very simple to prepare.
This lazy lasagna needs no boiling of noodles ahead of time and no traditional layering, but delivers the same comforting flavor. Read on for the recipe using cottage cheese, tips to simplify the process, and serving suggestions to round out a nutritious meal.
Looking for more high-protein dinners? Try high-protein chili, high-protein tomato soup with cottage cheese, crispy beef tacos, or high-protein minestrone.
Why you’ll love this dietitian-made recipe
- High protein and nutritious: About 36 grams of protein per serving, plus micronutrients from nutrient-dense ingredients to help keep you full and support fitness goals.
- No chopping or layering: All the lasagna satisfaction without the fuss.
- Cheesy and delicious: Cottage cheese boosts protein and keeps calories lower while still creating a creamy, comforting texture.
Ingredients and swaps
Scroll to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
- Mild Italian sausage: Choose lean turkey or chicken Italian sausage for higher protein and less fat. If you use pork sausage, drain excess fat. Buy sausage meat removed from casings for convenience.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite marinara in roughly 650–750 ml jars. Avoid plain crushed tomatoes; marinara has added seasoning that works well here.
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles: Look for “oven-ready” so you don’t have to pre-boil. If you prefer chickpea or lentil noodles for more fiber, you may need to cook them first.
- Baby spinach: Adds color and nutrients; chopping is optional.
- Low-fat cottage cheese: The main protein boost and a source of creaminess. 2% works well, but choose what you prefer. Avoid fat-free if possible for better texture.
- Parmesan and mozzarella: Parmesan for flavor; mozzarella for melt. Pre-grated or freshly shredded both work.
- Italian seasoning and egg: Season the cheese mixture and use an egg to help bind it together.
Make it easier
- Buy sausage meat already removed from casings.
- Leave baby spinach unchopped to save time.
- Use pre-grated cheeses.
How to make lazy high-protein lasagna
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the cheese mixture and set aside.
Step 2: Heat a large pan to medium. Add sausage meat, brown and crumble until barely pink remains, then drain excess fat.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, add marinara, cover, and simmer 10 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
Step 5: Break oven-ready lasagna noodles into 2–3 inch pieces and stir them into the sauce.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, spreading gently and ensuring noodles are covered by sauce.
Step 7: Dollop the cheese mixture across the pan and sprinkle additional mozzarella if you like.
Step 8: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes, then finish under the broiler 2–5 minutes to brown the cheese, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Dietary restrictions
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles; some require pre-cooking.
- Higher fiber: Try chickpea or lentil noodles for more fiber, but they may need boiling first.
- Low sodium: Choose low-sodium marinara and lower-sodium cottage cheese if available.
- Higher protein: Add an extra 1/2 lb of turkey or chicken sausage.
What to serve with this lazy lasagna
Pair the lasagna with vegetables or a salad to complete the meal. Good options include:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli and cauliflower
- Grilled zucchini and eggplant
- Sautéed peppers and onions (frozen mixes save time)
- Air-fried Brussels sprouts
- Pre-made salad kit, garden salad, or Greek salad
More balanced dinner recipes
Try other one-pan or balanced meals for easy weeknight dinners, like chicken sausage orzo, healthy orange chicken with broccoli, pesto chicken and rice, Philly cheesesteak pasta, or a healthier hamburger helper.
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- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Meat masher
- Sauté pan
- Large pot
- 9×13 baking dish
- Tin foil
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Review
Lazy High Protein Lasagna
Equipment
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large mixing bowl
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large sauté pan or pot
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9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage meat (removed from casing), use chicken or turkey sausage if possible
- 2 jars marinara sauce, 660–750 ml each
- ½ package uncooked oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 3 big handfuls baby spinach, chopped if desired
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese (2% recommended)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping if desired
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
Instructions
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Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 350°F.
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Combine all cheese mixture ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.
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Heat a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add sausage meat, brown and crumble, then drain excess fat.
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Lower heat to medium-low, add marinara, cover, and simmer 10 minutes.
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Stir in spinach until wilted.
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Break lasagna noodles into 2–3 inch pieces and stir into the sauce. Use only half the package.
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Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, spreading so noodles are submerged in sauce.
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Dollop the cheese mixture across the dish and top with extra mozzarella if desired.
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Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes or until cheese bubbles and noodles are cooked. Finish under the broiler 2–5 minutes to brown, watching closely.
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Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Add extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Nutrition facts are calculated with Italian turkey sausage and without extra mozzarella on top.
Storage and reheating: Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Sprinkle a little water before reheating on the stove or in the microwave to retain moisture.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Protein: 36g
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Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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