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High Protein Pasta (Cottage Cheese Pasta) Recipe

High Protein Pasta (Cottage Cheese Pasta) Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

This High Protein Pasta recipe features a creamy cottage cheese sauce that blends seamlessly with protein-rich pasta and fresh spinach. It’s a delicious, nutritious, and simple meal perfect for those seeking a high-protein, low-fat, and flavorful pasta dish that comes together quickly and easily.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces protein pasta

Sauce

  • 16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Vegetables & Finishing

  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Prepare the protein pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Blend Sauce: In a blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, skim milk, grated parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Warm Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a non-stick skillet and heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Add Spinach: Once the sauce is warm, stir in the chopped spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and becomes tender as the pasta finishes cooking.
  5. Drain Pasta: Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to help loosen and thin the sauce later.
  6. Add Pasta to Sauce: Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, then transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet. Mix well to combine.
  7. Coat Pasta with Sauce: Turn off the heat and continuously stir the pasta in the sauce for 1-2 minutes. This allows the sauce to coat each piece evenly and thicken. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
  8. Top and Serve: Serve the pasta topped with additional cracked black pepper and parmesan cheese to taste. Enjoy your healthy, high-protein meal!

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute some parmesan with Pecorino Romano cheese.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more skim milk or pasta water.
  • Using fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients, but baby spinach can be used as well.
  • Make sure to reserve the pasta water before draining; it helps to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
  • This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein pasta, cottage cheese pasta, healthy pasta recipe, low fat pasta, protein-rich meal, spinach pasta, creamy pasta sauce

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/high-protein-pasta-cottage-cheese-pasta-recipe/