Creamy Pasta & Meatballs: A High-Protein, Comfort Food Favorite
Looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s rich in protein, full of flavor, and comes together with minimal effort? This Creamy Pasta & Meatballs recipe has you covered. It’s warm, satisfying, and secretly packed with veggies and fiber-rich chickpea pasta—all baked in a personal-sized dish for ultimate comfort food vibes.
Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and so simple to customize. And the best part? It includes a protein-rich creamy marinara made from cottage cheese—yes, you read that right! Cottage cheese adds the perfect silky texture and a boost of protein without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔️ Balanced & Satisfying – Every serving brings together fiber, healthy fats, protein, and complex carbs.
✔️ Perfectly Portioned – Individual bowls make it easy to meal prep or serve a crowd.
✔️ Protein-Packed Cream Sauce – Cottage cheese adds 13–15g of protein per serving with zero effort.
✔️ Gluten-Free Friendly – Made with chickpea pasta for a naturally gluten-free and fiber-filled option.
✔️ Sneaky Veggies – Chopped zucchini, onions, and bell peppers blend beautifully with the sauce and pasta.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
½ cup diced bell peppers
½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced zucchini
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
12–16 pre-cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups cooked chickpea pasta
1½ cups marinara sauce
1 (5.3 oz) container cottage cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Veggies & Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Divide the chopped peppers, onions, and zucchini between four oven-safe bowls. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Top each bowl with 3–4 pre-cooked meatballs.
Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until the veggies begin to soften and the meatballs are heated through.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Marinara
In a separate bowl, stir together 1½ cups marinara sauce with the entire container of cottage cheese. The result is a lusciously creamy, protein-packed sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Add ½ cup of cooked chickpea pasta to each bowl. Spoon the creamy marinara sauce evenly over each one.
Return the bowls to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until bubbly and warmed through.
Step 4: Let It Cool & Serve
Remove carefully—the bowls will be hot! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Watch the Tutorial
Want to see this recipe in action? Follow along with the video tutorial to learn how to layer, bake, and serve this dish like a pro!
🎥 Watch the full Creamy Pasta & Meatballs tutorial here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BBOodWteuBQ
Tips & Swaps
Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based cottage cheese or blended silken tofu for a creamy texture.
Try different veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes also work beautifully here.
Swap the meatballs: Use turkey, chicken, or lentil meatballs depending on your preferences.
Batch it: Assemble in a large baking dish instead of individual bowls for easier prep.
Final Thoughts
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. This Creamy Pasta & Meatballs recipe brings together the best of cozy comfort food with a balanced nutrition profile that fuels your body and supports your goals. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a crowd, this is a repeat-worthy dish you’ll crave again and again.
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