Can I use regular pasta instead of protein pasta?

Yes, you can use traditional wheat pasta, but the protein content per serving will be lower. The sauce will still be delicious!

Does the cottage cheese make the sauce taste sour?

When blended with nutritional yeast, spices, and cheddar, the cottage cheese loses its distinct tang and transforms into a neutral, creamy base similar to a cheese sauce.

How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, as protein pasta tends to absorb moisture as it sits.

Spicy Queso Protein Pasta: 1 Easy Recipe for High Protein Comfort

Name: Spicy Queso Protein Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients: 8 oz protein-enriched pasta (chickpea or lentil); 1.5 cups low-fat cottage cheese; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz protein-enriched pasta (chickpea or lentil)
1.5 cups low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the protein pasta according to package instructions, but drain it 2 minutes early. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, place the cottage cheese, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Pour the blended mixture into the skillet and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Step 4: Add the chopped jalapeños and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water while tossing the noodles to create a glossy sauce.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper. Serve the spicy queso protein pasta immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Ensure the cottage cheese is blended thoroughly for the best texture. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water one tablespoon at a time.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 30mg