Rasta Pasta

Rasta Pasta

This Rasta Pasta is inspired by the meal my husband and I shared on our first date – but recreated with a nutritious twist. Protein pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy blended cottage cheese sauce deliver plenty of protein, while sautéed peppers, onions, garlic, and smoky chipotle bring the bold Caribbean-inspired flavors that made us fall in love with the original (and maybe with each other!). It’s rich, creamy, and comforting without weighing you down, proving you don’t have to give up your favorite indulgent meals to stay on track. Some of the best recipes nourish both your body and your favorite memories.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dry pasta of choice (I used Barilla protein rotini)
• 12 oz cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover is perfect)
• 1/4 cup canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (only use part of the can if you prefer less spicy)
• 1 sliced bell pepper, sautéed 
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced and sautéed 
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 c blended nonfat cottage cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain. 

While the pasta boils, sauté the bell pepper and onion. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.  Remove the chipotles in adobo sauce from the can and finely mince them.

Set the same large pot that you boiled the pasta in over high heat on the stove. Add the butter
and once that is melted, add the cottage cheese, minced chipotles with adobo sauce, garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring a few times. 

Stir in the pasta, chicken, peppers, and onion. Serve and enjoy. 

Nutrition Information: values may vary depending on products/brands used. Makes 4 servings. Information below is per serving. 

Calories: 371
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 42g
Protein: 37g