Description

This Spicy Queso Protein Pasta is the creamy, fiery, flavor-packed pasta bowl your tastebuds didn’t know they needed! With bold spices, cheesy goodness, and plant-based protein, it’s a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but fuels your body. Trust me, this one’s got kick and comfort all in one! #ProteinPastaPower #SpicyQuesoTwist #PlantBasedHeat

Ingredients

Scale

Protein Pasta

8 oz protein pasta (preferably Goodles Curveballs)

Spicy Sausage Blend

2 links Field Roast plant-based spicy chipotle sausages, minced
3 cloves garlic
½ jalapeño
½ spicy red hot pepper

Sauté Base

2 tbsp salted butter
2 tbsp avocado oil (or any oil)
¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
¼ cup finely chopped green peppers
¼ cup finely chopped red peppers

Fresh Herbs

¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
¼ cup finely chopped scallions (green part)

Queso Sauce

½ cup Fairlife 2% milk
½ cup Good Culture 2% cottage cheese
4 oz soft silken tofu (¼ of a 16 oz container)
½ cup pasta water
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper powder
¾ tsp red chili powder (or cayenne, paprika)
½ tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp taco seasoning
½ cup spicy shredded cheese (like pepper jack)

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Instructions

Cook the protein pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set aside.
In a food processor, pulse together the chipotle sausages, garlic, jalapeño, and red hot pepper until finely minced.
Heat avocado oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, green peppers, and red peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the minced sausage-pepper mixture to the skillet. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is browned and aromatic.
Stir in chopped cilantro and scallions. Cook for 1 minute more.
Reduce heat to low. Add milk, cottage cheese, silken tofu, pasta water, salt, black pepper, red chili powder, cumin, and taco seasoning. Stir continuously until everything is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the noodles in the spicy queso sauce.
Stir in shredded spicy cheese and mix until melted and fully incorporated.
Serve hot with extra scallions or cilantro on top if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

For extra protein, swap silken tofu with more cottage cheese or add white beans.
If you like it milder, reduce or omit the red hot pepper and chili powder.
This dish reheats beautifully—just add a splash of milk or water when reheating.
Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives for a fully vegan version.
Pairs well with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 460
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 35mg