Healthy High Protein Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
Creamy pesto pasta salad packed with protein, spinach, and chickpea pasta. Easy healthy meal prep lunch or dinner.
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Food Processor
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meal prep containers or airtight containers
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil
- 1 box Banza Cavatappi Pasta
- 1 container (16 Ounces) 2% Good Culture Cottage Cheese
- 1 container (6.7 ounces) Rao's Basil Pesto
- 2 tablespoon Water to thin out the sauce
- 2 cup Spinach Chopped
Garnish With:
- Red Pepper Flakes optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Banza pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow the cooked pasta to cool slightly.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce- While the pasta cooks, add cottage cheese and basil pesto to a food processor. Blend for about 45 seconds until smooth and creamy. Avoid overblending.
- Combine Everything- Transfer the creamy pesto mixture to a large bowl. Add chopped spinach and stir to combine. Add 2–3 tablespoons of water or pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve- Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired and serve warm or cold. For meal prep, divide into airtight containers and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Scroll up to see substitutions (including dietary swaps), variations and storage tips!!
If you make this recipe, don't forget to leave a rating and review and also tag me on socials @easyeatsdietitian!
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 544kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 28gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0.03mgSodium: 16mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 11gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 1412IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!