Easy High Protein Pasta

I'm all about prepping healthy, high-protein meals for the week, and this pasta dish is always at the top of my list. It's easy to make, uses store-bought ingredients, so there's barely any prep, and is a great clean-out-your-fridge meal!

The cottage cheese, chicken sausage, and protein pasta rack up the protein while keeping the overall calories lower than a traditional pasta dish. All that's left is your favorite jar of marinara sauce, pesto, and spinach. Top it off with a little Parmesan cheese and basil for more flavor.

Here are more chicken sausage recipes you might like: Chicken Sausage Pasta with Broccoli, Lemon Orzo with Broccoli and Chicken Sausage, and Grilled Chicken Sausages and Vegetables!

Before You Get Started

Here's what you need to grab or prep ahead of time before making this dish:

• Prep your pasta beforehand: Boiling pasta beforehand and keeping it in the fridge for 1-2 days will cut down on prep time.
• Change up the chicken sausage flavor: You can use any savory flavor of chicken sausage you like for this recipe. Caprese, Spinach and Cheese, Garlic and Onions, or Italian chicken sausage would be delicious! Ground turkey sausage works, too.
• Choose your cottage cheese: Low-fat or regular cottage cheese will work for this recipe.
• Add more veggies: If you don't have spinach or want to use up those leftover veggies in your fridge, go for it!

Mix It Up

Want to swap one or more ingredients out for something else? Here are some easy ideas:

• Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach to increase the veggie content.
• Spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the sauce some heat.
• Cheese change: Mix in shredded mozzarella or sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra cheesiness.
• Herb twist: Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce for a more aromatic dish.
• Extra sauce: Double the marinara and creamy base for a saucier pasta perfect for soaking up every bite.

How to Make This High-Protein Pasta Recipe

Here's how to whip up this recipe step-by-step:

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta until it's al dente but cooked through. If using chickpea pasta or lentil pasta, watch the time carefully to avoid mushiness.

2. Brown the Sausage

Cook your sausage slices in a hot pan until they're browned and crispy on the outside. If the sausage is raw, cook it longer until fully done.

Alternative: You can also grill or bake the sausage if you prefer less oil.

3. Wilt the Spinach

Add spinach to the pan with the sausage and stir just until it softens. This should only take a minute or two. If you want to add more veggies, cook them until softened.

Pro tip: Fresh spinach cooks fast, so don't leave it unattended or it'll turn mushy.

4. Combine Sauce and Creaminess

Mix your marinara sauce with a creamy base like cottage cheese and pesto, then add it to the pan. Let it warm up and blend together.

Smooth sauce: If you don't like the chunkiness of cottage cheese, use a blender to blend the marinara and cottage cheese together.

5. Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir until the sauce coats everything evenly. Serve with optional toppings like cheese or fresh herbs.

One-Pot Cooking Method

You can simplify cooking by using one pan for the sausage, spinach, and sauce, then stirring in cooked pasta at the end. For an oven method, brown the sausage and wilt the spinach on the stovetop, combine everything in a baking dish with sauce and pasta, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and heated through. This approach saves stovetop time and makes cleanup easier. Just keep an eye on the pasta's texture to avoid overcooking.

Storing Protein Pasta in the Fridge

Here's how to keep leftovers fresh for days:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
• Leftovers:
  • Turn the leftovers into a baked pasta casserole by adding extra cheese on top and baking until bubbly.