High-Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe
A high-protein, creamy roasted red pepper pasta made with a smooth blend of cottage cheese, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs. This nutritious and flavorful dish offers a deliciously creamy sauce tossed with brown rice penne, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 16 oz brown rice penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt + additional to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 1¾ cups cottage cheese (or silken tofu for plant-based option)
- 1½ cups roasted red peppers
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves + additional for topping (optional)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Pasta: While the shallot and garlic are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the brown rice penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add Seasonings: To the skillet with shallot and garlic, add salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and tomato paste. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is aromatic. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Blend Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, roasted red peppers, fresh basil leaves, and nutritional yeast. Add the cooled shallot and garlic mixture. Blend on high speed until the sauce is completely smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Pour the creamy roasted red pepper sauce over the cooked pasta and toss well to coat evenly. Serve immediately topped with additional fresh basil if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
- Brown rice pasta adds more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional pasta.
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for quick meals.
Keywords: High-protein pasta, creamy pasta sauce, roasted red pepper sauce, healthy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, cottage cheese sauce
