This creamy, cozy pasta is packing serious protein—with bone broth, cottage cheese, and your favorite meat!
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Twist ❤️
You know I’m all about putting a little extra into the classics—and this High Protein Vodka Sauce Pasta does just that. We’re talking silky, tomatoey goodness that feels like a cozy hug… but with a powerhouse nutritional upgrade!
Instead of the usual vodka and cream, we’re using:
- Bone broth for depth and extra collagen (hello, skin glow 👋)
- Cottage cheese for a creamy protein punch
- Protein pasta to fuel your muscles
- Ground beef to make it hearty and satisfying
This is the kind of meal that keeps you full for hours—but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding the fam, or just craving something indulgent-yet-nutrient-rich, this recipe is IT. 🥰
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Let’s break it down:
- 3 tbsp butter
- Dash of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ lb protein pasta (like chickpea, lentil, or edamame pasta)
- Bone broth, enough to cover pasta (about 2½ cups) – I love @kettleandfire for its rich flavor and nutrients!
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
- 1½ cups cottage cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- Pasta water, as needed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
- ½–¾ lb cooked ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
- (Optional) ½ cup shredded mozzarella
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1. Start With a Flavor Base
In a large pan, melt the butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until your kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant. 😍 This sets the stage for all that savory goodness.
2. Build the Base of the Sauce
Add the tomato paste to the pan. Cook it down with the garlic and butter until it deepens in color—this caramelization brings out the sweetness and cuts any acidity.
Then, add your protein pasta straight into the pan and coat it in the tomato paste mixture. Yep, we’re cooking it right in the sauce—no separate boiling required!
3. Simmer with Bone Broth
Pour in enough bone broth to fully cover the pasta. Add your seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of paprika. Bring everything to a simmer and stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid reduces by about half. It’s like a one-pan miracle!
💡 Pro Tip: Stir gently but often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Make the Creamy Protein Blend
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and a little reserved pasta water. Blend until silky smooth. This is your creamy secret weapon—it adds a luscious texture and a ton of protein without needing loads of cream.
5. Bring It All Together
Add the heavy cream and your blended cottage cheese mixture to the pan. Stir it all together until it becomes one cohesive, velvety sauce. Then toss in the parmesan, fresh basil, and your cooked ground beef.
If you want to go extra melty, toss in that optional mozzarella now too!
6. Top, Garnish & Serve
Give it all a final stir and top with extra basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan or mozz. Serve immediately and enjoy the most satisfying bite of pasta you’ve had in a while. 💪
Why This Recipe Works 💥
✅ High Protein, High Flavor
Each ingredient was chosen to amp up both the flavor and the protein:
- Cottage cheese & cream cheese make it creamy without heavy whipping overload
- Ground beef adds that meaty chew and iron boost
- Protein pasta turns this into a complete meal that sticks with you
✅ No Vodka Needed
This version keeps all the vibes of a traditional vodka sauce—creamy, tomato-forward, and slightly tangy—without needing alcohol at all.
✅ One-Pan Wonder
Less cleanup = more time to enjoy your pasta in peace. Yes please!
Substitutions & Swaps 🔄
- Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Pasta: Use any high-protein pasta you love—chickpea, lentil, even whole wheat.
- Cheese: If you’re not a cottage cheese fan (but trust me on this one!), Greek yogurt can work in a pinch.
- Cream Cheese: Sub in Neufchâtel for a lighter option.
Storing & Reheating 🍱
- Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. It’ll be just as creamy and comforting as Day One.
Let’s Talk Nutrition 💬
With ingredients like bone broth, protein pasta, lean ground beef, and cottage cheese, this dish delivers:
- Over 30g of protein per serving
- Collagen + gut-loving nutrients from the broth
- A balanced meal that fuels you long after dinner
So yes—it tastes indulgent, but your body will thank you too. 🙌
Final Thoughts: The Protein-Packed Pasta of Dreams 🍝✨
Whether you’re bulking up your meals, looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, or just want to sneak more nutrition into your comfort food, this High Protein Vodka Sauce Pasta is a total win.
It’s creamy, rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—and honestly, no one would ever guess it’s secretly healthy(ish). Add it to your weekly rotation, bookmark it for meal prep, or share it with your pasta-loving crew.
Tag me if you try it—I need to see those saucy bowls! 😍