Protein Spinach Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Spinach Pesto

• 4 cups Bonipak spinach
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts or pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 12 oz pasta of choice
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh spinach for garnish (optional)

Instructions 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, add spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
3. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl. Add the hot pasta and toss to combine. Stir in reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
4. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach on top.