High-Protein Lasagna Recipe
(Healthy & Easy)

Why Choose a High-Protein Lasagna?

A high-protein lasagna isn’t just a tasty twist on a classic—it’s a smart choice for your health and goals. Whether you're aiming to build muscle, maintain a healthy weight, or simply stay fuller longer, upping your protein intake can make a huge difference.

Protein-rich meals help stabilize blood sugar, curb cravings, and support muscle recovery—especially when you’re active. This lasagna delivers all that without the meat, using ingredients like cottage cheese, spinach, and whole wheat pasta to give you a powerful nutrition boost.

Plus, it's perfect for meal prep: easy to portion, store, and reheat with zero compromise on taste or texture. High-protein, plant-forward, and fully satisfying—what’s not to love?

If you're exploring ways to improve satiety, metabolism, or muscle retention through nutrition, our in-depth guide on high-protein diets covers everything you need to know.

Servings: 2–3
Prep time: ± 40 minutes

Ingredients You'll Need

• 6 whole wheat lasagna sheets (about 3.5 oz / 100 g)

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (8.8 oz / 250 g)

• 1 ½ cups canned diced tomatoes (13.5 oz / 400 ml)

• 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms (4.4 oz / 125 g)

• 7 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed (7 oz / 200 g)

• ½ red bell pepper, diced

• ½ medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp olive oil (5 ml)

• ¼ cup grated 30+ cheese (1 oz / 30 g) – such as reduced-fat Beemster

• 3.5 oz grilled chicken breast (100 g), diced – or use high-protein plant-based crumbles (optional)

• 1 small handful fresh basil, chopped

How to Make High-Protein Lasagna (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 180°C / 350°F (conventional).

2. Cook the vegetables
   Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and bell pepper, cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach until wilted.

3. Make the tomato sauce
   Add the canned tomatoes and Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Add extra protein
   Stir in the diced chicken (or plant-based crumbles) to the tomato-vegetable mixture for an extra protein punch.

5. Assemble the lasagna
   Lightly grease a small oven dish. Layer starting with tomato sauce → lasagna sheets → cottage cheese → fresh basil. Repeat the layers until everything is used up. Finish with a layer of sauce and sprinkle grated cheese on top.

6. Bake
   Place in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pasta is cooked.

7. Rest & serve
   Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra basil if you like.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about this high-protein lasagna is how well it holds up for meal prep. Whether you're cooking for the week or stocking the freezer, this dish stays fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

How to Store and Reheat

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it moist.

Freezer-Friendly Advice

• Freeze before or after baking: You can assemble the lasagna and freeze it unbaked, or freeze fully baked portions.

• Wrap well: Use foil or a freezer-safe container. For best results, consume within 2–3 months.

• Reheat from frozen: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 45–60 minutes (if whole) or microwave single servings for 5–7 minutes, checking halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it vegan?

Yes! To make this lasagna 100% plant-based, swap the cottage cheese for a dairy-free alternative like tofu ricotta or vegan cottage cheese. Use plant-based shredded cheese instead of 30+ cheese, and ensure your lasagna sheets are egg-free. You can also use soy-based or lentil-based meat alternatives for the protein boost.

Can I add more protein?

Absolutely. This lasagna already packs a protein punch, but you can level it up by:

• Adding more grilled chicken or a second layer of plant-based crumbles

• Mixing in cooked lentils or edamame with the tomato sauce

• Using high-protein pasta sheets (some brands offer lentil or chickpea-based options)

Is it kid-friendly?

Definitely! The flavors are mild and comforting, with a cheesy tomato base most kids love. You can even sneak in extra veggies or blend the sauce for a smoother texture if you have picky eaters. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce plant-based meals in a familiar format.

Full Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)