Creamy Cottage Cheese Pesto Pasta (High-Protein)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces protein pasta
- 1-1/2 cups peas
- 3 cups spinach
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add salt generously, and cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it.
- While the pasta cooks, bring a large skillet to medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 10 ounces of halved cherry tomatoes, season with kosher salt, cover, and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften and blister. Add 1-1/2 cups of frozen peas, season with another pinch of salt, cover again, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 3 cups of fresh spinach leaves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup pesto sauce, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Return the drained pasta to its cooking pot. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Gently fold in the sautéed vegetables. If needed, add a splash more pasta water to loosen the sauce. Divide among serving bowls and top each portion with freshly grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Reserve more pasta water than you think you'll need: The starchy water is key for adjusting sauce consistency, especially if you're making this ahead or reheating leftovers.
Don't overcook the vegetables: The peas and tomatoes should maintain some structure, and the spinach should just be wilted for the best texture contrast.
Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly: For the smoothest sauce, make sure the cottage cheese is completely blended with no lumps remaining.
Let the pasta cool slightly before adding sauce: Allowing the pasta to cool for 1-2 minutes before adding the sauce prevents the cottage cheese from separating.
Did you make this recipe?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out :)