Elevate your pasta dishes with this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce, a creamy and nutritious alternative to traditional sauces. By blending cottage cheese with tomato sauce and fresh herbs, this recipe offers a protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and health-conscious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Rich: Cottage cheese provides a substantial protein boost, making the dish more filling and nutritious.
- Creamy Texture: Blending cottage cheese creates a smooth, velvety sauce without the need for heavy cream.
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of around 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 10 oz (300 g) high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 2 cups (400 g) cottage cheese
- 1 cup (250 g) tomato sauce or passata
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ¾ lb (350 g) turkey sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and chopped garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the turkey sausage pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the sausage. Stir to combine and heat through gently, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the turkey sausage or replace it with plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store 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 broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
High-protein pastas like chickpea or lentil pasta complement the sauce well, but traditional wheat pasta can also be used.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta varieties, you can enjoy this dish without gluten.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to turkey sausage?
Absolutely, you can use plant-based sausage or simply omit the sausage for a vegetarian version.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Gently warm the sauce through without bringing it to a boil, as overheating can cause curdling.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, blend the cottage cheese mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before combining with pasta.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan substitute can be used for a dairy-free option.
How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the cottage cheese sauce may change upon thawing.
What other herbs can I use in this recipe?
Fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary can be added for additional flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it convenient for meal planning.
Conclusion
This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce offers a delightful combination of creaminess and nutrition, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a healthier pasta option. Its quick preparation and versatility allow for various adaptations to suit different dietary preferences. Enjoy this dish as a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Print
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Transform your pasta night with this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce! This creamy, protein-rich sauce combines cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh herbs for a satisfying and health-conscious meal. Paired with high-protein pasta and turkey sausage, it’s a perfect quick and easy dinner idea for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 10 oz (300 g) high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 2 cups (400 g) cottage cheese
- 1 cup (250 g) tomato sauce or passata
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ¾ lb (350 g) turkey sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook high-protein pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water and drain the pasta.
- Prepare Sauce: Blend cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add turkey sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Add the blended sauce to the skillet with the sausage. Stir gently, heating through without boiling to avoid curdling. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with additional Parmesan and parsley as garnish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit turkey sausage or substitute it with plant-based sausage.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Avoid overheating the sauce to prevent curdling.
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