Description

Craving a comforting pasta dish that’s both delicious and nutritious? High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, protein-rich meal with the help of low-fat cottage cheese and protein pasta

Ingredients

Scale

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta uses simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

12 ounces protein pasta: Boosts protein content (e.g., chickpea, lentil, or edamame pasta).
16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese: Provides creamy texture and high protein.
½ cup skim milk: Thins the sauce for a smooth consistency.
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan: Adds nutty, umami flavor.
½ tablespoon minced garlic (or 2 garlic cloves, minced): Brings savory depth.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavors.
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a bold, peppery kick.
2 cups chopped spinach: Adds nutrition and vibrant color.
¼ cup pasta water: Helps thicken and bind the sauce.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cottage Cheese: Creates a creamy, protein-packed sauce without heavy cream.
Protein Pasta: Increases protein and makes the dish more filling.
Spinach: Adds fiber, vitamins, and a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Parmesan: Enhances flavor with a cheesy, umami boost.

Substitutions and Variations

Protein Pasta: Swap with whole wheat pasta, regular pasta, or gluten-free pasta (ensure protein content if needed).
Cottage Cheese: Substitute with full-fat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or plant-based cream cheese for a vegan option.
Skim Milk: Use any milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy) or replace with more pasta water for a lighter sauce.
Spinach: Swap with kale, arugula, or omit for a simpler dish.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based pasta, vegan cottage cheese or cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free protein pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
Spicy Pasta: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Veggie Boost: Include ½ cup sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes with the spinach.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 12 ounces protein pasta, 16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese, ½ cup skim milk, ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan, ½ tablespoon minced garlic (or 2 garlic cloves, minced), 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, 2 cups chopped spinach, and ¼ cup pasta water.
Chop spinach and mince garlic if using fresh cloves.

Tip: Use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter dish; full-fat adds extra creaminess.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Cook 12 ounces protein pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente (typically 7-10 minutes, depending on pasta type).
Before draining, reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Tip: Check pasta package for exact cooking time; undercook slightly as it will cook further in the sauce.

Step 3: Make Creamy Sauce

In a blender, combine 16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese, ½ cup skim milk, ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan, and ½ tablespoon minced garlic.
Blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds, ensuring no cottage cheese curds remain.
Pour the blended sauce into a large non-stick skillet and warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tip: Blend thoroughly for a smooth sauce; warm gently to avoid curdling.

Step 4: Add Spinach

Add 2 cups chopped spinach to the warmed sauce.
Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes, while the pasta finishes cooking.

Tip: Stir constantly to evenly wilt spinach; add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too quickly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the reserved ¼ cup pasta water to the sauce, stirring to combine.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
Turn off the heat and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and thicken. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta; the starch in pasta water helps the sauce cling.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the pasta among 4 plates or bowls (about 1 ½ cups per serving).
Top with extra freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tip: Garnish just before serving for a fresh, vibrant presentation.