Description
This Cheesy Protein Pasta recipe combines high-protein pasta with creamy low-fat cottage cheese and fresh spinach for a nutritious, satisfying meal. The sauce is a simple blend of cottage cheese, skim milk, parmesan, and garlic, creating a rich yet healthy dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces protein pasta
Sauce
- 16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped spinach
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the 12 ounces of protein pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine 16 ounces of low-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of skim milk, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Sauté Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, briefly sauté the 2 cups of chopped spinach until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sautéed spinach. Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce over the pasta and spinach. Stir to combine, adding the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to desired consistency. Heat gently until everything is warmed through.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the cheesy protein pasta warm. Optionally, top with extra parmesan or freshly cracked pepper.
Notes
- Using protein pasta boosts the protein content of this dish significantly without sacrificing texture.
- Reserving pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by ensuring the parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
- You can substitute spinach with other greens like kale or arugula if desired.
- To increase flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Keywords: Protein pasta, cheesy pasta, healthy pasta recipe, low-fat cottage cheese pasta, spinach pasta, easy dinner