Description
A creamy and rich pasta dish made with cottage cheese, ground turkey, and fresh vegetables. It’s high in protein and perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion (diced, about 120 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
- 2 cups red bell pepper (diced, about 220 grams)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cups spinach (packed and chopped, about 90 grams)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups pasta sauce (marinara)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat)
- Fresh basil (for topping)
- Grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables: dice the onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper, and chop the spinach.
- In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add the diced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey and break it up as it cooks, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked through.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the peppers are softened.
- Add the chopped spinach and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Blend the marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a blender until smooth.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Add the drained pasta and 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes until well-coated. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with more pasta water if needed.
- Top with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter touch, consider adding different vegetables or adjusting the spiciness level. Serve with a green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg