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- 12 oz whole grain penne pasta - 2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade) - 1 cup cottage cheese (or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist) - 1/2 cup nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Fresh basil leaves, for vibrant garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes, for an optional spicy kick The main ingredients form the heart of this dish. Whole grain penne pasta gives you fiber and a great base. Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor. Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt boosts the protein and makes the sauce creamy. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste without dairy. The seasoning and additional ingredients bring everything together. Olive oil adds richness. Garlic packs in flavor with its strong aroma. Smoked paprika gives a warm depth. Salt and pepper enhance the taste. Fresh basil adds a bright touch, while red pepper flakes can spice things up if you like heat. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. This dish is simple, tasty, and high in protein! 1. Start by boiling water in a large pot. 2. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. 3. Once the water is boiling, add the whole grain penne. 4. Cook the penne for 9-11 minutes until it's al dente. 5. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. 6. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a mixing bowl. 1. In a blender, add the roasted red peppers and cottage cheese. 2. Include the nutritional yeast, minced garlic, and olive oil. 3. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. 4. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 5. If needed, scrape down the sides to mix well. 1. Heat the blended sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. 3. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. 4. Once the sauce is ready, add the drained penne. 5. Toss gently to coat all the pasta with the creamy sauce. 6. Make sure each piece is covered for the best flavor. To make your pasta stand out, try using different ingredients. Instead of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt adds a tangy twist. You can also swap nutritional yeast with a plant-based cheese for a nutty flavor. If you want more spice, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. Adjust spices to fit your taste. Use more smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or less salt if you prefer. Each change can make this dish uniquely yours. Reserving pasta water is key. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta. When your sauce looks too thick, add a bit of the reserved water slowly until you reach your desired consistency. For blending, use a high-speed blender. Blend until the sauce is silky and smooth. If you notice lumps, scrape down the sides and blend again. This ensures every bite is creamy. For a beautiful presentation, drizzle olive oil over the finished dish. This adds shine and flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. You can also serve this pasta with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It makes for a hearty meal. For drinks, pair it with a light white wine or sparkling water. This enhances the flavors and makes your meal feel special. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas. {{image_4}} You can easily enhance the protein in this dish. Adding chicken, shrimp, or tofu works well. Simply cook your protein of choice in a pan until done. Then, mix it into your pasta for a hearty meal. You can also try different styles of cottage cheese or yogurt. Using high-protein Greek yogurt gives a nice tang and creaminess. You can adjust the sauce to suit your taste. Adding spices like cayenne or Italian herbs can give new flavors. For a vegan creaminess, try using cashew cream or coconut milk. These options keep the sauce rich while removing dairy. Switching up the pasta can add fun to your dish. Whole grain penne is great for fiber, but you can use gluten-free pasta if needed. Other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle add texture and interest. Each shape holds the sauce differently, making each bite unique. To store your creamy roasted red pepper pasta, let it cool first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. It will last up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any unusual smells or changes in color before serving. You can freeze this dish for later enjoyment. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it creamy. Stir often for even heating. Enjoy your delicious meal just like it was fresh! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. To make this recipe vegan, swap cottage cheese for tofu or cashew cream. For a tangy twist, use vegan yogurt instead. You can also replace nutritional yeast with a vegan cheese alternative for that cheesy flavor. Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Try spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options like chickpea pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. This pasta pairs well with simple side salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a nice touch. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This recipe for High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta combines healthy ingredients and bold flavors. You learned how to cook whole grain penne, prepare a creamy sauce, and mix them perfectly. Remember, you can adjust flavors to your taste and add proteins for a boost. Store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips, you can create a dish that impresses and satisfies. Enjoy your cooking journey!

High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with this creamy high-protein roasted red pepper pasta! Made with whole grain penne, cottage cheese, and flavorful spices, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 25 minutes. Discover how to blend a silky sauce and toss it with pasta for an unforgettable meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a healthy weeknight favorite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz whole grain penne pasta

2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)

1 cup cottage cheese (or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)

1/2 cup nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Fresh basil leaves, for vibrant garnish

Crushed red pepper flakes, for an optional spicy kick

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole grain penne and cook following package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Blend the Sauce: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), nutritional yeast, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is silky and uniform in texture, scraping down the sides if necessary to ensure everything is well incorporated.

      Heat the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the blended red pepper sauce over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually incorporate some of the reserved pasta water, stirring until you've achieved your preferred consistency.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne to the skillet with the creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta thoroughly, ensuring that every piece is enveloped in the luscious sauce for maximum flavor.

          Serve: Plate the pasta into individual serving dishes. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aromatic freshness. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.

            Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: To elevate the dish, consider drizzling a splash of olive oil over the pasta before serving, and serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. Enjoy!