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I’m always on the lookout for quick, high-protein meals that don’t require a lot of cleanup. This creamy pumpkin protein pasta checks every box. It’s cozy, packed with flavor, and comes together in one-pot in under 30 minutes. Each serving has nearly 35 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, making it a nutrient-packed weeknight dinner or meal prep favorite.

One of the nice things about this recipe is that you don’t have to cook any meat, yet you still get a ton of protein! This recipe combines protein pasta and a creamy sauce made from blended cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, tomato paste, and bone broth. The cottage cheese gives it a silky texture and adds a serious protein boost, while the pumpkin brings a subtle sweetness and a good dose of vitamin A. Once the sauce comes together, you’ll stir in your favorite lentil or chickpea-based protein pasta, spinach, and a sprinkle of parmesan to finish it off.

Using a legume-based pasta is an easy way to add protein and fiber to your meals. One thing to keep in mind is that the texture of protein pasta can soften when reheated. If you’re picky about your pasta texture, regular pasta would hold up better for leftovers. Either way, you’ll still get a balanced meal with lots of protein, fiber, and veggies all in one bowl.

Serve it hot topped with a little extra parmesan cheese and black pepper. I hope you enjoy this creamy pumpkin protein pasta!

Creamy Pumpkin Protein Pasta

This one-pot creamy pumpkin protein pasta is packed with 35g protein and 8g fiber. Cozy, high-protein, and ready in less than 30 minutes!

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Prep 5

Cook 20

Total 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Gluten-Free

Servings 4

Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, blended
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cups bone broth
8 oz protein pasta
3 cups spinach, chopped
2 oz parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and sautee for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and seasonings and sautee for 1-2 more minutes.
Add pumpkin puree, blended cottage cheese, and tomato paste and stir to combine.
Cover and cook until boiling (about 5 minutes).
Once boiling, add pasta and stir to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Cover and cook for 6 minutes (or 2 minutes less than stated on the pasta box).
Add spinach, mix well, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add parmesan cheese and mix well.
Once pasta is done, remove from heat immediately to prevent pasta from overcooking.