Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta with Chicken: Your New High-Protein Go-To

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. 2

   Cook the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and garlic powder. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. 3

   Prepare the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, minced garlic, fresh basil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed.
4. 4

   Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta and the creamy cottage cheese sauce to the skillet (no need to clean it). Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss everything together vigorously until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.