Description
Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta – Comfort Food with Protein
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 15 min
Ingredients
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12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, edamame, or whole wheat)
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1 cup cottage cheese (2–4% milkfat; silken tofu for dairy-free)
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1 cup tomato sauce (jarred or homemade)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
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Optional add-ins: roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, lean turkey meatballs
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
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Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
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Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Blend Sauce
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In a blender, combine cottage cheese and tomato sauce.
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Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
3. Sauté Aromatics
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Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add garlic and chili flakes, sauté ~60 seconds (do not brown).
4. Simmer Sauce
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Pour blended sauce into skillet with garlic.
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Add salt and pepper. Simmer gently 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Toss Pasta
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Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat.
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Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
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Stir in most of the chopped basil off heat.
6. Serve
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Plate in wide bowls, topping with remaining basil, optional add-ins, a crack of black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
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Use starchy pasta water to help sauce cling.
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Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of liquid; avoid microwaving cold leftovers directly.
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Sauce can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 cal Per Serving
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g