High-Protein Parmesan Tomato Pasta

Servings
4

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Ingredients

▢ 8 oz high protein pasta pasta
▢ 1 tbsp olive oil or grass fed butter
▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
▢ 2 tbsp tomato paste
▢ 1 cup tomato sauce
▢ 1 cup low fat cottage cheese
▢ 1/4 cup milk of choice
▢ 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
▢ Salt to taste
▢ Black pepper to taste
▢ Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Add the cottage cheese and milk to a high speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and whipped with no visible curds. Set aside.

3. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently.

4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.

5. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and allow the sauce to gently simmer. Add in 1/4 cup of parmesan if desired.

6. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the whipped cottage cheese mixture until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling.

7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

8. Serve immediately and top with freshly grated parmesan.

Notes

For extra protein, use chickpea or lentil pasta, or add grilled chicken or shrimp. Keep the heat low once the cottage cheese is added to maintain a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.

Nutrition Information

Based on 4 servings:

Calories
430 kcal

Protein
32 g

Carbohydrates
45 g

Fat
12 g