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High Protein Pasta

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A cozy and satisfying high-protein pasta recipe that’s quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite proteins and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched wheat)
  • 10 to 12 ounces cooked protein (grilled chicken breast, ground turkey, cooked shrimp, or baked tofu)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or thick Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetables (spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or broccoli)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons reserved pasta water
  • Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, grated Parmesan, fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, saving a cup of starchy water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Toss in your vegetables and sauté until tender, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Blend the cottage cheese with 2 tablespoons of hot pasta water until smooth and pourable, adding more if needed for a creamy consistency.
  5. Add the cooked protein to the skillet to warm through.
  6. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet and pour in the cottage cheese sauce, stirring gently over low heat until glossy and coated.
  7. If the sauce is thick, add more pasta water. Finish with lemon zest and optional toppings.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving hot.

Notes

For added flavor, incorporate lemon zest or a sprinkle of cheese before serving. Adjust seasoning based on personal preference.

Nutrition