Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pasta is a creamy, protein-packed dish that delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite. The cottage cheese creates a luscious sauce without the need for heavy cream, making it a lighter yet satisfying option. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this pasta is versatile, easy to make, and pairs well with a variety of add-ins like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken.

ingredients

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

pasta of your choicecottage cheeseparmesan cheesegarlisolive oillemon juicelemon zestred pepper flakes (optional)saltblack pepperfresh basil or parsley for garnish

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce by blending cottage cheese, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the blended cottage cheese sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky sauce.

Stir in grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add sautéed spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables.

Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.

Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.

Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Cottage Cheese Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese will yield a creamier and richer sauce.

Will the pasta taste like cottage cheese?

Blending the cottage cheese creates a smooth, mild-tasting sauce that doesn’t have the typical cottage cheese texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and a vegan parmesan substitute.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work great, but spaghetti and linguine are also delicious.

Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Pasta?

It’s not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Pasta is a quick, healthy, and delicious option that brings creamy comfort without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces. With endless customization options, it’s a versatile dish you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. Give it a try and discover how easy it is to enjoy a satisfying, protein-rich pasta dinner!