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High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta with Spinach Recipe

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4.2 from 83 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This High Protein Pasta recipe features a creamy cottage cheese-based sauce blended with Parmesan and garlic, tossed with protein-rich pasta and fresh spinach. It’s a quick and nutritious meal perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, combining smooth, cheesy flavors with the health benefits of cottage cheese and spinach.

Ingredients

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
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Add-ins

  • 2 cups chopped spinach

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the protein pasta according to the directions on the package until al dente. This typically takes about 9-11 minutes. While the pasta cooks, proceed to prepare the sauce.
  2. Blend Sauce: In a blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, skim milk, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Warm Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a non-stick skillet and warm it over low heat. Continuously whisk often to prevent curdling and ensure the sauce stays smooth.
  4. Add Spinach: Once the sauce is warm, add the chopped spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes, while the pasta finishes cooking.
  5. Drain Pasta: Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse the pasta briefly with cold water to stop cooking and set it aside to cool slightly.
  6. Add Pasta to Sauce: Slowly whisk the reserved pasta water into the sauce to loosen and smooth it. Gradually add the slightly cooled pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently as you 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 the pasta thoroughly and thicken as it cools.
  8. Top and Serve: Finish by topping the pasta with additional cracked black pepper and Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, high-protein meal!

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; the starch helps bind sauce and pasta.
  • Be sure to whisk sauce continuously while warming to prevent curdling of cottage cheese.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute skim milk for 2% milk or add a touch of olive oil.
  • You can add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein if desired.
  • Use fresh spinach for best flavor and nutrition; frozen spinach can be used if well drained.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pasta-with-spinach-recipe/