High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bowls – Easy Meal Prep Lunch Idea
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These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bowls are creamy, nutritious, and perfect for quick meal prep lunches.
If you love creamy, comforting pasta but still want something high in protein, these High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bowls will become your new go-to lunch. The sauce blends into a smooth, rich mixture that feels indulgent while staying surprisingly healthy.
And because cottage cheese adds extra protein without the heaviness of cream, this dish fits perfectly into your list of meal prep ideas lunch fans swear by. Everything comes together quickly, packs beautifully, and stays delicious for days.
I first made this recipe on a day when I wanted something cozy that didn’t feel too heavy. I had cottage cheese in the fridge, leftover pasta, and a handful of vegetables — so I blended everything together and hoped for the best. That little experiment turned into one of my favorite weekly meal prep bowls.
The sauce is creamy, the pasta is comforting, and the vegetables make the whole dish feel balanced. Even now, every time I mix cottage cheese into pasta, it reminds me that simple food really can be the best food.
Tips & Kitchen Hacks
• Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth for a silky sauce.
• Add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling to each noodle.
• Roast your vegetables ahead of time so assembling the bowls becomes easier.
• Use chickpea or lentil pasta to boost the protein even more.
• Always let the pasta cool before storing to avoid mushy leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• High in protein
• Creamy without heavy cream
• Great for easy meal prep lunches
• Ready in under 25 minutes
• Works with many pasta shapes
• Customizable with any vegetables
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bowls
Course: Main, Meal PrepCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes475
kcalThese High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bowls are creamy, nutritious, and perfect for quick meal prep lunches.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta Bowls:
10–12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
1 ½ cups broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper- For the Cottage Cheese Sauce:
1 ¼ cups cottage cheese
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper
¼ cup pasta water (as needed)- Optional Add-Ins:
Crushed red pepper
Basil
Extra parmesan
Grilled chicken or turkey
Directions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then reserve some pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, toss the broccoli, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them at 400°F until tender.
- Add cottage cheese, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a blender.
- Blend the mixture until completely smooth, adding splashes of pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and pour the cottage cheese sauce over it, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold the roasted vegetables into the pasta so the flavors blend together.
- Divide the pasta mixture into four meal prep containers.
- Add additional parmesan, basil, or crushed red pepper if desired.
- Allow the bowls to cool fully before sealing to keep the pasta from over-softening.
Recipe Video
Notes
Serving Suggestions / Variations
• Add grilled chicken or turkey for more protein.
• Swap vegetables for spinach, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Use whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta for different textures.
• Stir in pesto for a richer flavor.
• Drizzle with chili oil for a spicy twist.
Final Thoughts
These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bowls prove that meal prep can be simple, creamy, and nutritious all at the same time. Since the sauce blends into a smooth, comforting mixture and the vegetables add freshness, every bowl feels satisfying and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re packing lunches for the week or craving something cozy after work, this pasta makes meal prep feel effortless.
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