Save to Pinterest 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 family favorite because of its simplicity and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- Sauce: 250 g (1 cup) cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat
- Sauce: 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh baby spinach
- Sauce: 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sauce: 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
- Sauce: 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Sauce: 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Sauce: 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Sauce: Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish: Freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: 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.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this delicious meal has brought our family together around the dinner table every week.
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.
Save to Pinterest This creamy spinach pasta is both nourishing and satisfying making weeknight dinners effortless and delightful.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or fusilli are ideal as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, but any short pasta works.
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh baby spinach is preferred for its vibrant flavor and texture, but well-drained frozen spinach can be substituted.
- → How do I make the sauce creamier?
Adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or adjusting the milk quantity can enhance the sauce's creaminess.
- → Is it possible to add protein to this meal?
Yes, incorporating cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas boosts protein without altering flavors.
- → How to adjust the sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta cooking water gradually to achieve your preferred sauce thickness and smoothness.
- → What garnishes complement this pasta?
Extra grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh basil leaves add layers of flavor and freshness.