High Protein Butternut Squash Cottage Cheese Pasta
This High Protein Butternut Squash Cottage Cheese Pasta blends roasted squash, garlic, cottage cheese, parmesan, and basil into a smooth golden sauce. It is a cozy vegetarian pasta dinner that works well for weeknights, leftovers, and flexible family plates.
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Large Pot
- Blender
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash roughly cubed, about 3 to 4 cups
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 sweet or yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water heavily salted
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 16-ounce package cooked pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup basil finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment for easier cleanup.
- Toss the cubed squash, garlic, onion, oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, sage, paprika, and thyme on the prepared pan.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until the squash is fork-tender and lightly browned.
- Cook the pasta until tender, then reserve ½ cup heavily salted pasta water before draining.
- Blend the roasted vegetables with cottage cheese, broth, parmesan, and reserved pasta water until smooth.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce over low heat, adding extra broth as needed until creamy.
- Stir in the chopped basil, adjust salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of broth, milk, or water so the sauce loosens and turns creamy again.
Freezing: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months; pasta can soften after freezing and reheating.
Expert Tips: Roast the squash until fully tender because undercooked squash will not blend into a smooth sauce.
Variations: Use protein pasta, chickpea pasta, spinach, kale, or red pepper flakes to adjust the meal for your table.
Sauce Tips: Add broth gradually after blending so the sauce stays thick enough to coat the pasta.
Protein Boost: Use bone broth or serve grilled chicken on the side if the meal does not need to stay vegetarian.