Rich and Creamy Pasta

Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s both healthy and delicious with this Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce. This recipe replaces traditional heavy cream with cottage cheese, resulting in a lighter yet equally satisfying sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it comes together in just 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Cottage cheese is a fantastic source of protein, making this dish both filling and nutritious.
• Lower in Fat: By substituting heavy cream with cottage cheese, you reduce the fat content without compromising on creaminess.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weekdays.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with your choice of pasta and the addition of vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and marinara sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Sauté Garlic: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the blended sauce into the pan with the garlic. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to ensure it’s well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more hearty.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Herbal Twist: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to customize the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

What type of cottage cheese is best for this recipe?

Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for a creamier texture, but low-fat versions can be used to reduce calorie content.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely, this dish is vegetarian-friendly. Ensure that your marinara sauce does not contain any meat products.

Can I use other types of cheese?

While cottage cheese provides a unique creaminess and protein boost, ricotta cheese can be used as an alternative.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, quinoa, or legumes to accommodate a gluten-free diet.

What can I serve alongside this pasta?

A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this creamy pasta dish.

Can I freeze the cottage cheese sauce?

Freezing dairy-based sauces can alter their texture. It’s best to prepare the amount you plan to consume within a few days.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid overheating the sauce. Gently warm it through on low to medium heat to maintain a smooth consistency.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild flavors and creamy texture make it appealing to children.

Can I add other seasonings?

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest can enhance the flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce offers a delightful combination of creaminess and nutrition, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy a satisfying and wholesome pasta dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

Rich and Creamy Pasta

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a creamy, high-protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce that’s quick, healthy, and delicious. This easy 15-minute recipe is lower in fat, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. Customize with your favorite pasta, veggies, or proteins for a satisfying meal!

 

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Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, as per package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
• Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine cottage cheese and marinara sauce. Blend until smooth.
• Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Combine Sauce: Add blended sauce to the pan. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and heat through. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
• Toss Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm

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Notes

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
• Customize the dish with vegetables, proteins, or spices to suit your taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.