# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
→ Sauce
02 - 1 cup full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese
03 - 3.5 oz fresh baby spinach
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1/4 cup milk
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
→ Garnish
11 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Freshly ground black pepper
13 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
03 - Combine cottage cheese, sautéed spinach and garlic, milk, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
04 - Return drained pasta to the pot or skillet. Pour the creamy spinach sauce over pasta and toss to coat thoroughly. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water as desired.
05 - Dish out immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh basil leaves if preferred.
