Cheesy High-Protein Dairy Veggie Pasta

Packed with high-protein dairy and pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy cottage cheese sauce, this dish is a delicious and nutritious weeknight win that the whole family will love. Dairy products like cottage cheese are naturally rich in tryptophan and calcium, and combined with the fiber and protein in this dish, it’s a satisfying dinner that can also support a restful night's sleep.

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PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 20 minutes

SERVINGS: Serves 4   

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked high-protein Cavatappi pasta (or other corkscrew shape pasta like fusilli or rotini) 

½ tablespoon olive oil 

10 asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces 

6 baby bella mushrooms, cut into large pieces 

½ + ¼ teaspoon salt, divided 

1 garlic clove, minced 

½ cup cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed 

½ cup small curd 2% milkfat cottage cheese 

Black pepper 

2 ounces Parmesan cheese 

10 grape or cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters 

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil 

Notes

Recipe courtesy of Karman Meyer, RDN, LDN, RYT

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Instructions

1. Begin by cooking pasta according to package directions in a medium-sized pot. Once pasta is cooked al dente, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the remaining water. Return pasta to pot and cover to keep warm. 

2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is heated, add asparagus and cook for 3 minutes, tossing occasionally. Add mushrooms and ½ teaspoon salt and cook for 3 additional minutes, tossing occasionally.  

3. Turn heat to low and add garlic and beans, stirring so garlic doesn’t burn. Cook for 60 seconds.  

4. Add vegetable mixture to pasta and immediately add cottage cheese and reserved pasta water. Stir together over low heat until combined, about 2-3 minutes.  

5. Turn off heat before adding black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and tomatoes. Stir to combine, allowing Parmesan to melt slightly. 

6. To serve, garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley or basil, if desired.