Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta is a delicious and hearty dish that thrives on fresh ingredients and packs a protein punch. This pasta recipe combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with lean ground turkey and vibrant vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for weekday dinners or gatherings and comes together quickly, ensuring you’ll have a flavorful dish on the table with minimal fuss.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 400
• Protein: 32 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Sugar: 6 grams
• Sodium: 620 mg

Why Make This Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

This Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your health goals. The use of cottage cheese enhances the dish’s creaminess while providing an impressive amount of protein, making it perfect for muscle recovery after workouts or as a substantial lunch. The combination of colorful vegetables not only adds vibrancy but also boosts the nutritional value, making this dish a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy any day of the week.

How to Make Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne works best)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion (diced (120 grams))
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
• 2 cups red bell pepper (diced (220 grams, about 2 medium peppers))
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (use less for less spicy)
• 3 cups spinach (packed and chopped (90 grams))
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups pasta sauce (marinara)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat)
• Fresh basil (for topping)
• Grated parmesan cheese (for topping)

Directions:

### Step 1: Preparation

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. While the pasta cooks, dice the onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper, and chop the spinach.

### Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

### Step 3: Cooking the Turkey

Add ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked through. Stir in diced bell peppers, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until peppers have softened.

### Step 4: Finishing the Dish

Add chopped spinach to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. While the spinach wilts, blend marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth. Pour the creamy cottage cheese sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Add drained pasta and 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes until well-coated and warmed through. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Top with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

Serve this delightful pasta dish hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy flair. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty whole-grain bread to soak up any remaining sauce. This dish makes a fantastic meal for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just a comforting night in.

How to Store Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or pasta sauce to keep it moist.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

1. Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables not only enhance flavor but also add crunch and nutrition. Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies.
2. Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water is crucial; it helps emulsify the sauce and can adjust the consistency for a creamier dish.
3. Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add spinach towards the end to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
4. Season Well: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure full flavor.
5. Mix and Match: Feel free to substitute ground turkey with chicken or beef, or add different herbs like oregano or thyme for a twist.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground turkey with chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian protein boost.
• Creamy Cheese Bliss: Add shredded mozzarella or Ricotta cheese before serving for an even creamier texture.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños for an extra kick, perfect for spice lovers.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use gluten-free pasta?
  Yes! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully in this recipe. Just follow package directions for cooking times since they may vary.

• How can I make this dish dairy-free?
  Substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as tofu blended to a creamy consistency, or use cashew cream.

• Is this pasta dish suitable for meal prep?
  Absolutely! This recipe holds up well in the fridge and can easily be reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.

• Can I freeze this pasta?
  Yes! Before adding fresh basil and parmesan, you can freeze the dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• What can I serve with Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta?
  A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair nicely alongside this pasta for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and nutrition packed into one satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for those busy weeknights, and offers endless options for personal customization. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delightful dish that nourishes the body and pleases the palate. Happy cooking!

Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

---

• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: High-Protein

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delicious pasta dish that combines creamy cottage cheese with lean ground turkey and vibrant vegetables, packed with protein for a satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced (120 grams)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
• 2 cups red bell pepper, diced (220 grams, about 2 medium peppers)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 cups spinach, packed and chopped (90 grams)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups pasta sauce (marinara)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• Fresh basil, for topping
• Grated parmesan cheese, for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, dice the onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper, and chop the spinach.
3. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up and sauté for 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked through. Stir in diced bell peppers, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until peppers have softened.
5. Add chopped spinach to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
6. Blend marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a blender for 30-45 seconds until smooth. Pour the creamy sauce over the turkey and vegetables.
7. Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes until well-coated and warmed through.
8. Top with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

For storage, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 80mg