Cottage Cheese Pasta

Cottage Cheese Pasta is a creamy, high-protein twist on classic pasta dishes. With a velvety sauce made from blended cottage cheese, this recipe offers all the comfort of traditional cream-based pastas but with a lighter, healthier spin. It’s quick, customizable, and ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein thanks to cottage cheese
• Creamy texture without heavy cream
• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Great base for add-ins like veggies or protein
• Light yet satisfying

ingredients

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

• Pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, etc.)
• Cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon zest and juice
• Salt and black pepper
• Reserved pasta water
• Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ to 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Return drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Stir in the cottage cheese sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
4. Season and Serve:
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables
• Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for more protein
• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as preferred
• Blend in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a flavor twist

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce has thickened.

FAQs

Is cottage cheese pasta healthy?

Yes, it’s high in protein and lower in fat than traditional cream sauces.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Absolutely, though full-fat gives a richer texture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, blend and refrigerate the sauce for up to 2 days. Stir well before using.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pastas like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well, but spaghetti works too.

Does the sauce taste like cottage cheese?

Not really—the garlic, Parmesan, and lemon balance out the flavor, making it taste more like a light Alfredo.

Can I make it vegan?

Use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

How do I make it more indulgent?

Add a bit of cream or butter when heating the sauce with the pasta.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats well with a splash of water or broth.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

You can, but ricotta is thicker—consider adding more pasta water or a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

What herbs go well with this pasta?

Basil, parsley, thyme, or even a bit of fresh dill complement the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Pasta is a creamy, comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. With minimal ingredients and loads of flexibility, it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you need something satisfying and simple. Whether you stick to the basic version or load it up with your favorite mix-ins, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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