Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 6 oz whole grain pasta (dry)
  • 5 TBSP 2% milk (or whole milk, divided)
  • 8 slices center-cut bacon (chopped)
  • 2 medium onions (diced)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
  • 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp fresh chives (chopped)
  • 4 cups chopped green leaf (or romaine lettuce, for serving)
  • 2 tsp bacon grease

Instruction

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt & fat. Drain; do not rinse. Transfer to a large bowl and add 1/4 cup milk to pasta. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess grease. Drain grease, reserving 2 tsp. {You can use 2 tsp olive or canola oil if desired}.
  • Wipe out skillet and add 2 tsp reserved bacon grease or oil. Saute onion and tomatoes until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and spinach, and cook until spinach wilts, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and thyme, and remove from heat.
  • In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add cottage cheese, yogurt, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon milk. Process until completely smooth.
  • Add onion-tomato mixture and half of the cooked bacon to the bowl with the cooked pasta. Pour cottage cheese mixture in the bowl. Toss well to coat completely. Stir in chives and sprinkle with cooked bacon.
  • Serve over a bed of lettuce. Enjoy!
  • Keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.