Description
This High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a delicious fusion of indulgent comfort and smart nutrition. Featuring a velvety sauce made from roasted red peppers and a creamy protein-rich base like cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, this pasta dish is both satisfying and nourishing. Ideal for a quick dinner, healthy lunch, or meal prep, it’s packed with bold flavor, high in protein, and easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a high-protein recipe, or just a new pasta favorite, this creamy roasted red pepper pasta checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 1/2 cups roasted red peppers
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
2. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1–2 more minutes.
3. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, cooked onion and garlic, cottage cheese or yogurt, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. Return the blended sauce to the sauté pan. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan if using. Add pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick.
5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors blend.
6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan or cracked pepper if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Blending the sauce thoroughly ensures a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
For meal prep, store the sauce and pasta separately for best results when reheating.
If you want to add variety, toss in grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or chickpeas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick dinner, healthy pasta, easy dinner idea