Description
Creamy, smoky, and packed with protein, this High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a must-try for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas or healthy comfort food. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this easy recipe combines pantry staples like roasted red peppers and pasta with high-protein ingredients like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Whether you’re into healthy snacks, vegetarian meals, or just looking for new dinner ideas, this flavorful pasta dish delivers every time.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
12 oz roasted red peppers, drained
1/2 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unsweetened milk (plant-based or dairy)
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and red chili flakes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the sautéed garlic, roasted red peppers, protein (cottage cheese or yogurt), milk, parmesan, nutritional yeast, paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce into the skillet and heat for 2–3 minutes over medium-low, stirring. Add pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Let it simmer for 1 minute to blend flavors.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra cheese or nutritional yeast if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Blend the sauce until completely smooth for the creamiest texture.
Use high-quality jarred roasted peppers for the best flavor shortcut.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 18mg