This creamy healthy green pasta sauce is packed with broccoli, spinach, and cottage cheese. A quick, nutrient-dense recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Author:Emily Parker
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course, Sauce
Method:Blender, Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
425 g pasta of choice
2 small broccoli crowns (chopped into florets)
¾ cup reserved broccoli cooking liquid
2–3 garlic cloves, pressed
½ cup milk
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup fresh basil
½ cup cottage cheese
Red pepper flakes (for topping)
Fresh parmesan (for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Steam broccoli in boiling salted water for 5 minutes until tender. Reserve ¾ cup of cooking water.
3. Add steamed broccoli, reserved liquid, garlic, milk, parmesan, spinach, lemon juice, salt, basil, and cottage cheese to a blender.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Toss sauce with prepared pasta. Adjust seasonings.
6. Top with red pepper flakes and fresh parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
Use high-powered blender for best texture.
Add grilled chicken or beans to increase protein.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months in portioned containers.