**Creamy Cottage Cheese Tuscan Chicken Pasta**
**Prep Time**: 10 minutes
**Cook Time**: 20 minutes
**Total Time**: 30 minutes
**Servings**: 4
**Summary**: A rich Tuscan-style pasta featuring sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and spinach that replaces the heavy cream with pureed cottage cheese!
**Ingredients**:
– 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free for gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup cottage cheese, blended
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
– 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced thin
– 1/3 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), shredded
– 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
– 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoon fresh basil, sliced thin (optional)
**Directions**:
1. Begin preparing the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In the meantime, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, seasoned with the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate the onion and keep cooking until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Mix in the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until aromatic, about a minute.
5. Pour in the broth, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, wait 5 minutes, then stir in the parmesan, cottage cheese, spinach, and lemon juice, stirring until the spinach wilts.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then mix in the basil.
8. Combine the cooked and drained pasta, mix well, and savor!
**Note**: Leftovers should be reheated gently over medium-low heat.
**Nutrition Facts**: Calories 445, Fat 14g (Saturated 4g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 103mg, Sodium 808mg, Carbs 55g (Fiber 3g, Sugars 7g), Protein 47g