Description
Spicy Queso Protein Pasta is a creamy, high-protein dish made with spicy cheese sauce and protein-enriched pasta for a satisfying and nutritious meal with a kick.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup canned diced green chiles
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, or sliced jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in almond milk, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, green chiles, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the spicy queso sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños if desired.
Notes
- Use any high-protein pasta of your choice to suit dietary needs.
- For extra heat, add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, though sauce may thicken over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 45mg