Spicy Queso Protein Pasta

Spicy Queso Protein Pasta is a bold and comforting dish that packs serious flavor and nutrition. Featuring high-protein pasta tossed in a velvety queso-inspired sauce made with cottage cheese, silken tofu, and spicy seasonings, this recipe is perfect for those craving indulgent comfort food without compromising on protein intake. It’s creamy, spicy, and satisfying—everything you want in a fast, healthy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with protein from pasta, cottage cheese, and tofu
• Creamy queso-style sauce with a spicy kick
• A great way to enjoy comfort food on a high-protein diet
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Vegetarian-friendly with plant-based sausage options
• Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or high-protein wheat pasta)
• Cottage cheese
• Soft silken tofu
• High-protein milk (like Fairlife)
• Spicy shredded cheese (like pepper jack or habanero cheddar)
• Plant-based spicy chipotle sausages (or regular if not vegetarian)
• Garlic cloves
• Jalapeño and hot red pepper
• Chopped onion
• Green and red bell pepper
• Cilantro
• Scallions
• Salted butter
• Avocado oil
• Reserved pasta water
• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, taco seasoning

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil protein pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Prepare Sauce Base: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, silken tofu, and high-protein milk. Blend until smooth.
3. Chop Aromatics: In a food processor or by hand, mince garlic, jalapeño, and red pepper.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Heat butter and avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and peppers for 1–2 minutes.
5. Add Veggies: Stir in onion and bell peppers. Season with a pinch of salt and cook until softened.
6. Add Protein: Mix in minced chipotle sausage. Cook 1–2 more minutes.
7. Make It Spicy: Add taco seasoning, cumin, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
8. Combine Sauce: Pour in the blended sauce. Stir well. Add the shredded spicy cheese and reserved pasta water. Simmer until creamy and thickened.
9. Toss Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until fully coated.
10. Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped scallions and cilantro. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 3–4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Vegan: Use vegan cheese and plant-based milk/yogurt instead of cottage cheese
• Extra Spicy: Add chipotle in adobo or crushed red pepper
• Mild Version: Omit jalapeño and spicy cheese, substitute with mild cheddar
• Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking
• Top with Crunch: Add crushed tortilla chips or roasted chickpeas before serving

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the texture change in dairy-based sauces

FAQs

What kind of protein pasta should I use?

Chickpea, lentil, or a wheat-based high-protein pasta all work well.

Can I make the sauce without tofu?

Yes, you can replace the tofu with more cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar texture.

Is it too spicy for kids?

You can easily tone down the spice by omitting hot peppers and using mild cheese.

Can I use regular sausage?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite cooked sausage instead of plant-based options.

What cheese works best in the queso sauce?

Pepper jack, habanero cheddar, or any spicy melting cheese are great options.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Increase the amount of cottage cheese or blend in a bit more shredded cheese.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, it stores and reheats well—just freshen it up with a little milk when reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, if you use gluten-free protein pasta and check that other ingredients are GF.

How do I boost the veggies?

Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.

Can I bake it for a casserole-style dish?

Yes! Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.

Conclusion

Spicy Queso Protein Pasta delivers all the indulgent satisfaction of a cheesy, spicy comfort dish with the added bonus of high-protein ingredients. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner, meal prep, or whenever you want something quick, nutritious, and packed with flavor. Give it a try and enjoy every spicy, creamy bite.

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