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 quickly became a family favorite especially on busy evenings requiring something both nutritious and delicious.
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
Pin Gathering around this pasta dish always brings a smile and plenty of compliments from loved ones.
Tips for the Best Sauce
Make sure to blend the sauce until perfectly smooth for maximum creaminess and flavor.
Variations
Try adding cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas for additional protein or substitute spinach with kale for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio for a delightful dinner experience.
Pin This creamy spinach pasta is ready in just 30 minutes making it perfect for flavorful weeknight dinners.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Penne or fusilli are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but any medium-sized pasta can be used.
- → Can I substitute cottage cheese in the sauce?
For a richer texture, cream cheese can be added or used partially instead of cottage cheese.
- → How do I achieve a smooth, creamy sauce consistency?
Blending the sauce ingredients until smooth and incorporating some reserved pasta water helps to create a velvety sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, using certified gluten-free pasta will make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- → What are good protein additions to enhance the meal?
Incorporating shredded cooked chicken or chickpeas adds protein and complements the flavors well.