Description
A creamy, protein-packed pasta dish made with cottage cheese for a healthier twist on traditional creamy pastas.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the blended cottage cheese mixture to the skillet and stir to warm through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Season with red pepper flakes, additional salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Choose small curd cottage cheese for a smoother sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 25mg