Description
A high-protein, creamy roasted red pepper pasta featuring a smooth blend of cottage cheese, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs, perfect for a flavorful and nutritious meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz brown rice penne pasta, cooked
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt + additional to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 3/4 cups cottage cheese (can substitute silken tofu for plant-based option)
- 1 1/2 cups roasted red peppers
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves + additional for topping, if desired
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallot and garlic, sautéing for 3-5 minutes while stirring regularly until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: To the skillet with shallots and garlic, add salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in tomato paste and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until aromatic. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, roasted red peppers, fresh basil leaves, nutritional yeast, and the sautéed shallot and garlic mixture. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Taste and add additional salt if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the blended sauce over the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Notes
- Use silken tofu instead of cottage cheese for a vegan version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Brown rice pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients, but you may substitute your preferred pasta.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently; add a splash of water or broth to loosen sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
