Super Greens Pasta
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with protein, this Super Greens Pasta is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. The secret is blending cottage cheese into a smooth, velvety sauce with pesto, fresh spinach, and a squeeze of lemon. The result is a rich, flavourful pasta that tastes indulgent while being loaded with ingredients you can feel good about.
One of our favourite things about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. Everything for the sauce goes straight into a blender, creating a bright green sauce in just a couple of minutes. Toss it with hot pasta, add a splash of reserved pasta water, and dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. There’s no complicated technique or long ingredient list, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
The cottage cheese not only creates an incredibly creamy texture but also gives this pasta a significant protein boost compared to traditional cream-based sauces. The fresh spinach blends in seamlessly, adding nutrients and a beautiful vibrant colour, while the pesto and lemon keep every bite fresh and balanced.
We kept ours vegetarian for a quick lunch, but this recipe becomes an even heartier dinner when topped with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even baked salmon. It’s also a great meal prep option since the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook your pasta.
Whether you’re trying to eat more protein, sneak extra greens into your meals, or simply want a fresh take on pasta night, this Super Greens Pasta checks every box. It’s creamy, wholesome, incredibly easy to make, and one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Super Greens Pasta
Ingredients
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup pesto homemade or store-bought
- 1 to 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 heaping handfuls fresh spinach
- 200 g pasta of choice we used rigatoni
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Optional Protein
- Grilled chicken breast sliced
- Sautéed shrimp
- Grilled salmon
- Crispy tofu
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, add the cottage cheese, pesto, lemon juice, spinach, salt, and pepper to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth and vibrant green. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce blend.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat and pour in the green sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan if desired, and serve as is or with your favourite protein for an even more satisfying meal.
