Description
This High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta recipe combines roasted red peppers, creamy cottage cheese, and garlic for a delicious, protein-packed pasta dish. It’s a fast, healthy dinner idea perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Try this creamy red pepper pasta for a high-protein vegetarian option with bold flavor.
Ingredients
1 jar roasted red peppers (about 12 oz), drained
1 cup cottage cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar)
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, and fresh basil. Blend until completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour the blended sauce into the saucepan and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
5. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water.
6. Serve immediately with extra basil, optional chili flakes, or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream while heating the sauce.
To make it spicy, include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
This pasta pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 15mg