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Creamy high-protein cottage cheese pasta served in a bowl with herbs

Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

A delicious and nutritious pasta dish featuring a creamy cottage cheese sauce, packed with protein and colorful vegetables, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: dice the onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper, and chop the spinach.
Cooking the Turkey and Vegetables
  1. In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Next, stir in the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the turkey is mostly cooked through.
  4. Combine the diced bell peppers, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into the pan. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the peppers soften.
  5. Add the chopped spinach, stirring to mix. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
Making the Sauce
  1. As the spinach wilts, blend the marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Pour the creamy cottage cheese sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Add the drained pasta and 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes until well-coated and warmed through.
  2. If needed, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  3. Finally, top with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

This creamy pasta is versatile and can be enjoyed warm, paired with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or light appetizers. Perfect for gatherings—simply double the recipe!