High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe: 30+g of Protein Per Serving!
Are you looking for a quick, delicious meal that packs a serious protein punch? This high protein pasta recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero! With a creamy cottage cheese sauce and savory ground turkey, this dish delivers an impressive 30+ grams of protein per serving (depending on how much Parmesan you add) while being ready in just 45 minutes. Even the cottage cheese haters in my life can’t get enough of the creamy, garlicky goodness! (The trick is blending it!)
Why High Protein Pasta Should Be Your Go-To Weeknight Meal
Cottage cheese is definitely having a moment right now! After the incredible response to my Cottage Cheese Pancakes and Cottage Cheese Bread with Oatmeal recipes, I knew I had to share this protein-packed pasta creation with you. We love pasta around here, but I have been trying to stay away from a lot of white flour and I’ve been striving to add extra protein to my meals. After looking at my protein consumption, I knew I was lacking, so I’ve been focusing on adding more at every meal.
This easy sauce combines protein and tomatoes and olive oil to create a truly delicious, balanced, and satisfying meal. Trust me, this isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a wholesome, filling option that you’ll turn to time and time again. This healthy high protein pasta is genuinely a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Pasta Recipe
- High in Protein – Each serving of this delicious pasta has 37 grams of protein!
- Filling and Creamy – The cottage cheese sauce coats each noodle perfectly and is SO GOOD. The balance of carbs and proteins will fuel and satisfy you for hours!
- Easy and Fast – Your healthy meal is ready to eat in just 30-45 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknight evenings! (I like to simmer my sauce a bit longer, but you certainly can speed this up and wrap it up in 30 minutes if you are in a rush!)
- Macro-balanced meal – You get protein from the turkey, pasta, and cottage cheese; carbohydrates from the pasta; healthy fats from the oil and turkey; and fiber from the veggies and pasta.
- Family-friendly – This super comforting and cozy dish is one the whole family will love!
Cottage Cheese Pasta Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Protein Pasta – Protein pastas are usually made with legumes like Banza chickpea pasta, which tastes great and cooks well, and is my choice inn this recipe. There are several options made from black beans, chickpeas, and lentils, so choose your favorite. Or use your favorite gluten-free pasta!
- Cottage Cheese – I used fat-free cottage cheese in this sauce recipe, but you can use whatever you prefer. Since the ingredients for the sauce are blended, it doesn’t matter if it’s small or large curd. You can use full-fat or low-fat too. Cottage cheese provides excellent protein while keeping the sauce creamy.
- Ground Turkey – I used 93/7% fat content ground turkey for lean protein that still has enough fat for flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – You can freshly grate parmesan for this recipe or use store-bought shredded or grated parmesan for that umami flavor boost.
- Tomatoes – Canned, whole plum tomatoes create the base of our sauce.
- Tomato paste – To thicken up the sauce and add concentrated flavor.
- Olive oil – Just a touch to sauté the onion and garlic.
- Garlic – I use fresh minced garlic but if you want to save time, you can used minced garlic in a jar.
- Onion – A must in any tomato sauce for depth of flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper – Both are a must when cooking almost anything!
- Spices – Oregano, basil (dried and fresh), Calabrian chili flakes, bay leaves are all the flavors of Italy and a must in most of my tomato based pasta sauces.
How to Make High Protein Pasta
This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes! All you’ll need is a skillet, pot to cook pasta, and a blender. Pull all your ingredients together. Here’s how to make this healthy protein pasta:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. You’ll cook your pasta in this. While that is happening, place your whole tomatoes in a blender and blend until smooth.
Now that your water is getting ready for the pasta, and the tomatoes have been blended, I like to measure out all my seasoning and put them in a little bowl. This just make the whole mean come together quicker once I start cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent. Then, add in the garlic and stir into the mix for about one minute.
Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add the tomato paste, and 1/4 cup of water and all the seasonings, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors meld together and let it come to a simmer. This is an important step to get rid of any of the “canned” flavor. This step is what makes your sauce taste like it has been cooking all day.
PRO TIP: I learned to cook Italian sauce from Italian mothers in NYC. They always added a little sugar to sweeten the sauce. I still do, although today, I usually use a sugar substitute BUT this step is optional. However, I think it definitely adds that NYC taste I crave. But, you decide for yourself.
Pour in the blended tomatoes and stir well. Let cook for about 10 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors come together.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook per the package instructions:
NOTE: I find alternative pastas like the chickpea pasta I’m using needs to be cooked a LITTLE UNDER the package instructions so the pasta is still al dente. Taste it a minute before the package tells you to and decide if it is to your liking.
Meanwhile, put the cottage cheese in the same blender you used for the tomatoes (no need to wash it out) and blend until smooth. Add to the sauce and stir to combine.
Drain the pasta and add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. NOTE: If you are making just the sauce and a smaller portion of pasta, ladle the sauce (1/2 cup per person) into a bowl with the pasta and toss. Save the rest of the sauce for another time.
Serve the pasta in shallow pasta bowls with shredded, grated or shaved Parmesan and fresh basil.
Best Protein Pasta Recipe Variations
Add Veggies
You could easily bulk up this recipe with the addition of vegetables. Here are some ideas:
- Broccoli – Cook fresh broccoli florets with the pasta, or add steamed broccoli to the sauce with the cooked pasta.
- Mushrooms – Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the blended sauce.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – Either cook them in the skillet or roast them in the oven for 10 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
- Chopped Asparagus – Chop asparagus spears into 1/2 inch pieces and sauté briefly in the skillet before adding the blended ingredients.
- Sliced zucchini and/or summer squash – Just add the sliced veggies right to the sauce to cook in the sauce.
Other Delicious Variations
- Spice It Up – Add additional crushed red pepper to the skillet of sauce while it’s warming.
- Sundried Tomatoes – Add chopped sundried tomatoes to the sauce, and drizzle some of the oil over the finished pasta.
- Fresh Herbs – Parsley, chives, or fresh basil would be absolutely delicious on this cheesy pasta dish!
- Greek yogurt or low-fat ricotta – You can substitute either Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese with great results. No need to blend either option.
- Grilled Chicken – This easy protein pasta is so good with grilled chicken mixed in or on the side.
- Ground Beef, Chicken or Pork – Substitute any of these ground meats, or a mixture of them, for the ground turkey for an easy twist.
- Shrimp – Easily add shrimp to the tomato sauce (omit the ground meat). Add shrimp at the end and only cook for a couple of minutes so you don’t overcook.
How to Serve Protein Pasta
The recipe is for 8 servings of pasta (2 ounces per serving). When I’m serving really hungry guys and kids, I’ll double the serving size. I like to serve the pasta with a large salad like my kitchen sink salad. If I have company, I’ll often serve roasted garlic and parmesan bread on the side too. Since I’m eating a high protein pasta, I don’t mind having some bread with this dish.
I serve this in pasta bowls topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. So good!
How to Store High Protein Pasta
- Refrigerate – Allow the pasta to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat – To reheat, add 1-2 Tablespoons of water, or chicken or turkey broth, then reheat slowly in the microwave, stirring frequently.
How to Store the Cottage Cheese Turkey Pasta Sauce
As you know, I often cook for just two people. So, I’ll make this sauce and either put it into two-portion containers and freeze it or keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Then, I’ll cook the pasta fresh, and just reheat the sauce and combine. This allows me to have this high protein turkey pasta sauce on hand for several meals during the week.
Try Another Delicious Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Looking for another delicious way to incorporate ground turkey into your pasta dishes? Try my Pumpkin, Turkey and Pasta Cocotte en Fonte! This seasonal dish combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with savory ground turkey and pasta for a comforting meal that’s perfect for fall. The French “cocotte en fonte” (cast iron pot) cooking method ensures all the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the dish moist and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Pasta and Using Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is known for being a high-protein food while still being relatively low in calories. It also contains vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. Cottage cheese can be a great addition if you are trying to add more protein to your diet.
Cottage cheese is a dairy product made from cheese curds. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture, along with some chunkiness from the curds. It comes in different fat percentages (nonfat, reduced fat, or whole milk) and also different curd sizes (usually small or large), which will affect the taste and consistency. I find it very bland which allows it to be added to to many recipes easily.
Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein to pasta sauce without the heaviness of cream. When blended, it creates a smooth, rich texture similar to Alfredo sauce but with significantly more protein and less fat.
Protein pasta is typically made from legumes like chickpeas, lentils, or beans instead of wheat flour. This alternative base provides significantly more protein (usually 2-3 times more) and fiber than regular pasta while containing fewer carbohydrates.
The key to delicious protein pasta is not overcooking it (follow package directions carefully) and pairing it with flavorful sauces. Protein pasta has a slightly different texture than wheat pasta, but robust sauces like this cottage cheese and turkey mixture complement it perfectly.
Absolutely! Full-fat cottage cheese will make the sauce even creamier and more flavorful. The choice between fat-free, low-fat, or full-fat cottage cheese is entirely based on your dietary preferences and goals.
Add more protein-rich toppings like grilled chicken, additional ground turkey, or even a sprinkle of hemp seeds. You can also serve it with a side of roasted edamame for an extra protein boost.
Yes! The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, store the sauce separately from the pasta and combine them when reheating. Or see how I freeze or store sauce separately and cook the pasta fresh before combining.
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground turkey and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, which provide a meaty texture. You could also add plant-based protein crumbles as a meat substitute and add vegan cheese.
Yes, protein pasta is an excellent option for children, as it provides essential nutrients for growth. The increased protein and fiber content help keep kids fuller longer and provides sustained energy for their active lifestyles.
Did you enjoy this recipe? I’d love to hear from you. Drop a rating and comment below. Then, explore some of my other high protein recipes below.
High Protein Waffles made with Chicken
Vanilla Protein Waffles for Two
Kodiak Cakes Apple & Walnut Sheet Pan Pancakes
High Protein Pasta
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 16 Oz. High protein pasta (like Bonza chickpea pasta, ZenB pea pasta, etc.)
- 1 28 Oz. Can whole plum tomatoes, pureed in blender
- 3 Tbsp. Tomato paste
- 2 Tsp. Olive oil
- ½ Onion, finely diced
- 1-2 Garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¼ Tsp. Calabrian Chili pepper flakes
- 1 Tsp. Dried oregano
- 1 Tsp. Dried basil
- ½ Tsp. Garlic powder
- ½ Tsp. Onion powder
- 1 Tsp. Sugar or sugar substitute (optional)
- 2 Dried Bay leaves
- 1 Cup fat-free cottage cheese, blended
- 1 Tsp. Kosher Salt (Diamond)
- 1/4 Tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Lb. Ground turkey
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved to finish
- Fresh Basil leaves to finish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and salt it heavily. (1-2 tablespoons of salt)
- In a blender, puree the whole tomatoes. Put to the side.
- In a large nonstick skillet, add the olive oil and heat. Once hot, add the onion and sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and stir into the mix for about a minute to soften. Add in the chili flakes and stir into the onion and garlic.
- Add the ground turkey meat and break up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Let cook until most of the pink is gone, stirring several times.(about 5-8 minutes)
- Add the tomato paste and mix into the pan. Add ¼ cup of water and mix that into the tomato paste and meat mixture. Stir to combine and let come to a simmer. Add in the dried spices and stir to combine. If you are using sugar or sugar substitute, add it now. Let that simmer for at least 10 minutes to let it cook down.
- Add in the blended tomatoes and stir to combine. Heat through.
- In the same blender you blended the tomatoes, add the cottage cheese and blend. (No need to rinse out the blender from the tomatoes). Add the cottage cheese to the pot and stir to combine and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Now is the time to add more chili flakes if you want it spicier, and the chance to add more salt and pepper. Let everything continue to simmer while you cook the pasta. OR let it simmer 10 minutes then turn off the heat and let it cool completely before storing.
- Add your pasta to the boiling water and cook per the package instructions.
- Drain your pasta and add to the sauce. Stir to combine. Plate and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy.
