High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe
This high-protein cottage cheese pasta sauce recipe pairs protein-packed cottage cheese with turkey sausage and chickpea pasta, creating a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious sauce that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. The addition of fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese adds depth and freshness, while the chickpea pasta provides additional protein and fiber for a satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 10 oz chickpea pasta (or your favorite high-protein pasta)
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce (passata)
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3/4 lb turkey sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 to 2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine the cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves in a blender. Blitz until smooth and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and chopped garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Turkey Sausage: Add the turkey sausage pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Add Cottage Cheese Sauce: Pour the blended cottage cheese and tomato sauce mixture into the skillet with the sausage. Stir and let it warm through gently over medium heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra grated Parmesan for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage for variation.
- For a smoother sauce, ensure the cottage cheese is blended thoroughly with the tomato sauce.
- Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce consistency—add gradually.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley to brighten the flavor profile.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: high protein pasta sauce, cottage cheese pasta sauce, turkey sausage pasta, healthy pasta sauce, chickpea pasta recipe
