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Creamy Protein Pasta Delight

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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish packed with protein, combining cottage cheese and protein powder for a healthy, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 2 scoops (about 60 g) unflavored or mild vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions (9-11 minutes for al dente). Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, avoiding browning the garlic.
  3. In a blender or with an immersion blender, combine cottage cheese, protein powder, and broth. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with sautéed garlic and onion. Stir over medium heat. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Add lemon juice to brighten flavors.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat all pasta pieces. Keep heat low to preserve creamy texture.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overheating sauce to prevent curdling. Use fresh grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor. Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for extra flavor. For dairy-free, use coconut-based protein powder and vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, protein pasta, healthy dinner, quick pasta recipe, cottage cheese pasta, high protein meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/creamy-protein-pasta-delight-recipe-easy-healthy-dinner-idea/