Pin 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 became a family favorite after I first made it on a busy weeknight and everyone asked for seconds.
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 dente. 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.
Pin My family enjoys gathering around the table sharing this warm creamy pasta especially on chilly evenings.
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) For gluten-free use certified gluten-free pasta Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Pin This creamy spinach pasta is a simple way to add more greens and protein to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the perfect sauce consistency?
Use reserved pasta cooking water gradually to thin the blended sauce until it coats the pasta smoothly without becoming runny.
- → Can I substitute the pasta type?
Yes, penne or fusilli work well, but whole wheat or gluten-free varieties can be used to suit dietary preferences.
- → What’s the best way to wilt spinach for this dish?
Sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat, add fresh spinach, and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes, to preserve flavor and color.
- → Is it possible to add extra protein?
Incorporate cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas to boost protein content while maintaining the dish’s creamy texture.
- → What garnishes complement this pasta?
Extra grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh basil leaves enhance both flavor and presentation.