Hey y’all! If you’re hunting for a pasta dish that’s as creamy and satisfying as your favorite Alfredo but way lighter and packed with protein, this Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is about to become your new weeknight hero. With velvety texture, comforting flavors, and a snap-fast cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules, meal prep, or simply impressing guests with something deliciously different. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
- It’s ultra-creamy without all the heavy cream, thanks to cottage cheese!
- Loaded with protein and calcium, making your pasta night more nutritious.
- Quick and easy—ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Totally customizable for different tastes and dietary needs.
- Makes a satisfying, family-friendly meal on a budget.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli or spaghetti work great)
- 1 cup (240g) cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ⅓ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk or unsweetened plant milk
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions: How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Blend the Cottage Cheese Sauce
Add cottage cheese, Parmesan, sautéed garlic with oil, milk, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to a blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return cooked pasta to the pot on low heat. Pour the creamy cottage cheese sauce over the pasta, tossing to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin out the sauce until silky and glossy.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pasta, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the creamiest results!
Notes for the Best Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
- For the smoothest sauce, use a high-powered blender (see tips for blending sauces).
- Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk to make it dairy-light.
- Look for cottage cheese with minimal added salt or thickeners—learn more about choosing cottage cheese.
Variations on Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
- Spinach & Lemon: Add 2 cups fresh baby spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice while blending.
- Roasted Garlic: Replace raw garlic with 3-4 roasted garlic cloves for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Spicy Red Pepper: Blend in one roasted red pepper and an extra pinch of chili flakes for a vibrant, zesty sauce.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Skillet
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storing Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Leftovers
Store cooled pasta with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to revive the sauce's silky texture. Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may lose its creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
- Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra protein.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
- Let cottage cheese come to room temperature for the creamiest blend.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it makes all the difference in silky sauce texture—read more about why pasta water matters.
- Always season to taste after blending—the saltiness of Parmesan and cottage cheese can vary.
FAQ: Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
- Yes! Low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese works, though full-fat offers the richest and creamiest sauce.
- How do I prevent a grainy sauce texture?
- Blend the sauce thoroughly and use a high-quality cottage cheese for best results.
- Is this Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce gluten-free?
- The sauce itself is gluten-free—simply use gluten-free pasta to keep the entire dish gluten-free.
Enjoy this creamy, satisfying Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce on your favorite pasta—it's a quick win for busy nights and health-conscious cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces cooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
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2In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
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4Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce into the skillet and heat gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
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5Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
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6Serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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