Description
Cottage cheese pasta is a creamy, protein-packed twist on a comfort classic. Blending cottage cheese into the sauce creates a rich, tangy coating for pasta, perfect for a quick and healthy meal that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or whole wheat)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- While pasta cooks, blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
- Return drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add cottage cheese sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen as needed.
- Stir until pasta is evenly coated and sauce is warmed through. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use high-protein or chickpea pasta for an extra boost of nutrition.
- Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for variation.
- Blending the sauce makes it silky smooth – perfect even for picky eaters.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 25mg