Better Than Takeout: Protein Red Pepper Fusilli

Our Better Than Takeout recipe series is meant to inspire cooking at home—rather than falling victim to the expensive, unhealthy, and often time-consuming process of ordering in from a food delivery app. As an alternative, we’ve assembled a few recipes that we think are more nutritious (and certainly more affordable!) than takeout, and they take just a few minutes to prep and cook. From savory stir-fries to protein-packed meatballs and warming grain bowls loaded with veggies, these are the meals we hope you’ll return to again and again on busy weeknights. 

This quick, healthy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Made with protein-packed chickpea fusilli and a creamy, roasted red pepper and cottage cheese sauce, this dish delivers comfort with a nutritious twist. Finished with crispy garlic breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh chives, it’s a satisfying, gluten-free alternative to takeout that comes together in minutes—making it an easy, affordable meal you’ll want on repeat.

Protein Red Pepper Fusilli Pasta Recipe

Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

8 oz package Thrive Market Organic Chickpea Fusilli
¾ cup Thrive Market Organic Fire-Roasted Red Peppers
1 ½ cup cottage cheese
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup Schar Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
Shaved Parmesan, for serving 
Chopped chives, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Thrive Market Chickpea Fusilli according to package directions. Drain after cooking, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

Add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the bread crumbs are golden brown. Remove from heat.

Add the red peppers, cottage cheese, and garlic clove to a blender with the reserved cup of pasta water. Blend until smooth.

Return the pasta to the pot with the sauce. Cook over medium-low heat for 1 minute to bring everything together. (Note: reheat on a low setting to avoid the sauce splitting).

Serve topped with bread crumbs, Parmesan, and chives.