High-Protein Creamy Marinara Pasta

A simple, protein-packed pasta sauce made with marinara and cottage cheese. It’s creamy, satisfying, and comes together in minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.

Makes: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 jar organic marinara (I like Publix GreenWise or Aldi Simply Nature — no added sugar and minimal ingredients / lower in fat than Rao’s)

• 1 cup Good Culture cottage cheese (I prefer the 2% version)

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 pack Bilinski’s chicken sausage, sliced OR 1 lb. ground meat of your choice

• 1 box organic pasta (I use organic whole wheat penne, but gluten-free works well too)

• Freshly grated parmesan, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.

2. While pasta cooks, blend marinara and cottage cheese until smooth and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken sausage (or ground meat) until browned and cooked through.

4. Reduce heat to low and pour blended sauce into the pan with the meat. Stir to combine and warm through.

5. Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until coated and creamy.

6. Top with freshly grated parmesan and serve.

To Serve

I like pairing this with a big side of steamed green vegetables with lemon to increase fiber and round out the meal.