Description
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is the creamy, healthy weeknight solution you didn’t know you needed. Made with pantry staples like garlic, olive oil, and cottage cheese, this protein-packed sauce blends into a smooth, luscious texture without heavy cream. Perfect for busy families, it comes together in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re looking for real food recipes for dinner or a healthy few-ingredient meal, this sauce fits right in.
Ingredients
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
¼ cup milk or reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
8 oz pasta of choice
Chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta and reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Add cottage cheese, milk or pasta water, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to a blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour sauce into a skillet over medium heat. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and warm.
4. Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
5. Serve hot, topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Add sautéed spinach or roasted veggies for extra nutrients.
Use gluten-free pasta for an allergy-friendly option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g