Save A comforting pasta dish featuring a creamy, protein-rich cottage cheese sauce blended with fresh spinach and garlic, perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal.
This recipe quickly became a favorite when I discovered how simple and delicious it is to combine cottage cheese with fresh spinach for a nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- Sauce: 250 g (1 cup) cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat, 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh baby spinach, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp olive oil, 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk, 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/4 tsp black pepper, Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan cheese, Freshly ground black pepper, Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al denté Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta cooking water then drain the pasta
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant Add the spinach and cook stirring until just wilted (about 2 minutes) Remove from heat
- Step 3:
- In a blender or food processor combine the cottage cheese wilted spinach and garlic milk Parmesan cheese salt pepper and nutmeg Blend until completely smooth and creamy
- Step 4:
- Return the drained pasta to the pot or skillet Pour the creamy spinach sauce over the pasta tossing to coat evenly Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan black pepper and fresh basil if desired
Save This dish always brings smiles when shared at the dinner table with family especially on busy weeknights.
Notes
For added protein toss in cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred For a richer sauce add 1 tbsp cream cheese to the blender Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio
Required Tools
Large pot Skillet Blender or food processor Strainer Cooking spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cottage cheese Parmesan milk Contains gluten if using regular pasta Always check labels for hidden allergens
Save A quick and easy creamy spinach pasta perfect for nutritious family dinners any night of the week.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Yes, penne and fusilli are recommended, but any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni or farfalle, works nicely.
- → How do I make the sauce smoother?
Blend the cottage cheese mixture until completely creamy, and add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency.
- → Is it possible to add extra protein to this dish?
You can toss in cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas for additional protein while keeping the flavors balanced.
- → What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Aged Asiago or Pecorino Romano offer similar savory notes if Parmesan is unavailable.
- → Can this dish be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely, using certified gluten-free pasta makes this meal suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.
- → What wines pair well with creamy spinach pasta?
Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the dish’s creamy texture and herbal notes.