Dinner

Quick High Protein Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

ByLana Polati February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Introduction

Finding the perfect balance between protein and veggies can be a challenge, especially when meal prepping for a busy week. This Quick High Protein Broccoli Pasta Salad offers a simple solution by combining protein pasta, creamy cottage cheese, and roasted broccoli for a nutritious, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of day.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy pasta bake featuring three main layers: a bottom layer of light yellow spiral pasta, a middle layer with green broccoli florets, and chunks of white cooked chicken scattered evenly throughout. The pasta and chicken are coated in a thick, white creamy sauce with small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. The dish is set on a beige textured cloth with fresh green broccoli pieces around it, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.25 cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat or Good Culture for thick texture)
2.5 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
0.75 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
8 oz protein pasta (such as Banza chickpea rotini)
1.25 lbs broccoli, cut into small 1/2-inch florets
3 garlic cloves, minced
2.5 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt (for boiling pasta)

Instructions

Step 1: Mince the garlic cloves and cut the broccoli into small florets, separating the stems and chopping them finely. Zest the lemon and set aside, then cut it in half for juicing later. Remove the cottage cheese from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for a smoother sauce.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add the protein pasta and cook according to package instructions. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli thoroughly.
Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped broccoli stems. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until stems are tender and garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: In a blender or food processor, combine the room-temperature cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Gradually add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water while blending until the sauce is smooth and pourable but not runny.
Step 5: Add the drained pasta and broccoli florets to the pot with the sautéed garlic and broccoli stems. Pour the creamy sauce over and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Warm over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Optionally, top with extra freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother sauce texture, blend the cottage cheese thoroughly and ensure it’s at room temperature before blending.
Substitute Greek yogurt or ricotta for cottage cheese to change the texture and flavor while keeping protein content high.
Use regular pasta or chickpea/lentil pasta if protein pasta isn’t available.
Swap broccoli with cauliflower or broccolini for variety.
Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
If lemons aren’t on hand, try fresh lime juice or white wine vinegar, using less and adjusting to taste.
Don’t overcook protein pasta to avoid mushiness; start checking a minute or two early.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors improve with time, making it ideal for meal prep. Before serving after storage, stir well to redistribute the dressing. If the salad seems dry, drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to refresh it. The salad is delicious served cold or at room temperature.