Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼  cup of the pasta boiling water then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a blender, add the cottage cheese, pesto, pasta water, spinach, salt and pepper if using and blend until smooth (alternatively omit the salt and pepper, taste the sauce once blended and adjust to taste as desired. Note the flavor will mellow when mixed in with the noodles, but you can always salt once plated if desired!

Step 3

Add the pesto sauce to the same pot the pasta was boiled in and return the pasta to the pot. Heat over low-medium heat until just heated through (if heat is too high, the sauce will separate), stirring frequently so the sauce doesn’t burn, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and top with parmesan and a squeeze of lemon (don’t’ skip these!) and chili flakes, if using.