Butternut Squash Pasta with Cottage Cheese
Add this luxurious, nutritious pasta sauce to your favorite noodles or spaghetti squash for the ultimate comfort dish. A delicious combination of sweet and salty. Pair it with high protein pasta noodles with a well-balanced dish, or add some chicken and veggies on the side.
INGREDIENTS
1 butternut squash, or 2-3 cups of butternut squash cubes
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup pancetta, cubed
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, diced small
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
14 ounces Barilla Protein Plus noodles (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Brush each half with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place both halves on baking sheet (face up), and bake for 45 minutes.
Heat up a pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pancetta and diced onions. Stir occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the pancetta is nice and crispy.
While the pancetta is cooking, add the butternut squash, cottage cheese, and chicken broth to a blender until smooth.
Pour the cottage cheese butternut squash puree into the pan with the pancetta and onions, and turn the heat down to simmer. Add parmesan cheese, sage, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.
If preparing pasta with this sauce, add some pasta water to thin it out. If not, add additional chicken broth as needed if the sauce seems too thick. Fold the sauce into pasta, or freeze for a later time!
Full recipe at link in bio! Or Google Moderately Messy RD.
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Butternut squash combined with cottage cheese creates a uniquely creamy and flavorful sauce that is both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe balances the natural sweetness of the squash with the savory saltiness of pancetta and Parmesan cheese, creating a well-rounded taste experience. The use of high-protein pasta or spaghetti squash as the base makes the dish rich in protein and fiber, supporting muscle health and digestion. When preparing butternut squash pasta with cottage cheese, roasting the squash first enhances its natural sweetness and soft texture, making the blending process smoother. The addition of garlic and sage brings aromatic depth while red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick to round out the flavors. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of casein protein, a slow-digesting dairy protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer. Paired with protein-enriched pasta like Barilla Protein Plus, this meal is ideal for those seeking balanced macronutrients in a comforting dish. To keep the sauce creamy yet light, chicken broth is used to thin the puree, ensuring it coats pasta perfectly without excess heaviness. For vegans or vegetarians, the pancetta can be replaced with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh to retain umami depth. This recipe also allows flexibility: add steamed or roasted vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers on the side to increase micronutrient content. Alternatively, grilled chicken breast can be added for an extra protein boost. Freezing leftover sauce is a convenient option, maintaining flavor and texture for future meals. Just reheat gently and add fresh pasta water or broth to adjust consistency. Incorporating butternut squash pasta with cottage cheese into your meal rotation is a great way to enjoy seasonal produce while benefiting from a high-protein, nutrient-rich dish that delights your palate and supports your health goals.
