Cottage Cheese and Pesto Pasta: A Creamy, High-Protein Meal Made Simple

This Cottage Cheese and Pesto Pasta combines creamy cottage cheese and vibrant pesto into a flavorful, high-protein sauce. With 24g of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying meal for busy days or post-workout refueling. Tossed with pasta and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious, flavorful dinner.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4
• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Dietary Preferences: High-protein, vegetarian

Ingredients List

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup (250g) cottage cheese
• ¼ cup (60g) pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta and Toppings:

• 300g (10.5 oz) pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti)
• Salt, for boiling water
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Grated parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
   • In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, pesto, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Add Cherry Tomatoes and Serve:
   • Gently toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the pasta. Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Customize vegetables: Add roasted zucchini or sautéed spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Add crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a bit of texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
   • Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. What type of pasta works best?
   • Fusilli, penne, or spaghetti are great options as they hold the creamy sauce well.

This Cottage Cheese and Pesto Pasta offers a delicious, high-protein twist on a classic favorite. With creamy cottage cheese, vibrant pesto, and fresh cherry tomatoes, this dish is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal. Try it tonight and enjoy the best of flavor and protein in every bite!