Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion (120g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey (93/7)
• 2 cups diced red bell pepper (220g)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (less for milder)
• 3 packed cups spinach, chopped (90g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil and grated parmesan, for topping

Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

• 2 cups pasta sauce
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat works)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente per package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Prep veggies while the water heats.
3. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Add onions, salt, and pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon or meat chopper. Sauté 3–4 minutes.
5. Add bell peppers, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and more salt and pepper. Stir and sauté 4–5 minutes.
6. Add chopped spinach, stir, and sauté 1–2 minutes until wilted.
7. While the meat cooks, blend the pasta sauce and cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
8. Combine the cooked pasta, cottage cheese sauce, and 2 tbsp pasta water (more if needed) in the pan. Stir and let warm through, 1–2 minutes.