High-Protein Creamy Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce 🍝 🧀

Indulge in a high-protein, creamy pasta dish with a cottage cheese sauce that's both comforting and nutritious. With a delightful cottage cheese sauce and a blend of flavorful ingredients, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Follow the steps below for a delicious meal!

I highly recommend investing in a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients - especially when it comes to making sauces like this. Plus, you'll have less measuring cups to clean.

Ingredients:

• 275g dry pasta (spaghetti or other type of pasta)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 diced onion

• 3 tsp minced garlic

• 2 tbsp dried basil

• 3 cups (90g) spinach

• 2lb lean ground beef or turkey

• 400g marinara sauce

• 200g cottage cheese

• 75g pepperjack or mozzarella cheese (or a mixture)

• Shaved parmesan cheese (for topping, as desired)

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Aromatics:

   • Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

2. Cook the Meat:

   • Add the lean ground beef or turkey to the pan along with the dried basil. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked.

3. Cook the Pasta:

   • While the meat is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a large blender cup, combine the pepperjack, mozzarella, or cheese mixture, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Meat and Sauce:

   • Pour the creamy sauce over the browned meat and onions in the pan. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add Spinach:

   • Add the spinach to the sauce mixture and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.

7. Assemble the Dish:

   • Pour the meat and sauce mixture over the cooked and drained pasta. Toss until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Top with shaved parmesan cheese, as desired, and enjoy a high-protein, creamy pasta dish that's both satisfying and wholesome.

Tips for Extra Deliciousness:

• Feel free to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving for added creaminess.

• Pair this dish with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.