Description
This Cheesy Protein Pasta recipe is a nutritious and delicious meal featuring high-protein pasta combined with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from low-fat cottage cheese and parmesan. Enhanced with garlic, fresh spinach, and a hint of seasoning, it’s a wholesome dish ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner that balances taste and health.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces protein pasta
Cheese 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
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the protein pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta well.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, skim milk, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large skillet over low heat. Add the cheese sauce and reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the pasta and sauce.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help thin the cheese sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for added greens.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor.
- This pasta is best served immediately but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Keywords: cheesy protein pasta, healthy pasta recipe, protein pasta, low-fat pasta sauce, spinach pasta, cottage cheese pasta