Struggling to get enough veggies and protein in your diet? Look no further! This protein and veggie-filled pasta dish is a delicious solution. Enjoy this delicious, high fiber and nutritious protein and veggie-filled pasta dish as a satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds!

Yields: 2-3 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini
• 2 tomatoes
• 1/2 onion
• 3-5 garlic cloves
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 basil leaves
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2-3 servings of Banza pasta (adjust depending on serving size)
• Your choice of protein (e.g., chicken, tofu, shrimp)
• Salt, nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add Banza pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the zucchini, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic cloves into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
4. Cook the Veggies: Add the chopped zucchini, tomatoes, and bell pepper to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Season the Dish: Season the vegetables with salt, nutritional yeast, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well to combine.
6. Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the cooked Banza pasta to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the vegetable mixture.
7. Add Protein: If desired, add your choice of protein (e.g., cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp) to the skillet. Stir until the protein is heated through and well incorporated.
8. Finish with Cottage Cheese: Stir in the cottage cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the pasta and veggies. This adds a creamy texture and additional protein to the dish.
9. Garnish and Serve: Tear the basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. Give everything a final toss, then serve hot.