Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this recipe so irresistible is its balance of creamy goodness and lighter, healthier ingredients. Cottage cheese gives the sauce a silky texture while providing a boost of protein, making this pasta feel rich without the guilt of using heavy cream. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy days when you want something comforting but don’t have the time to cook a long meal. The freshness of garlic, the smoothness of the cottage cheese, and the heartiness of the pasta come together to create a simple yet satisfying dish.

Ingredients

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

• 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired creaminess)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of spice)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Once the garlic is softened, pour the cottage cheese mixture into the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

• Add veggies: You can boost the nutritional value by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce.

• Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese: If you prefer a slightly milder and smoother texture, swap out the cottage cheese for ricotta cheese.

• Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and plant-based milk (such as almond milk) for a dairy-free version of this creamy pasta.

• Add protein: If you’d like to make this dish heartier, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works just as well, although the sauce might be slightly less creamy compared to full-fat cottage cheese.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

Yes, fresh basil and oregano will add a burst of flavor to the dish. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh basil and 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano in place of the dried herbs.

What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

Any type of pasta will work well with this creamy sauce, but penne, spaghetti, or fusilli are great options as they hold the sauce well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free, as it uses regular pasta. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them right before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming dry.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or even stir in some fresh chopped chili peppers for extra heat.

Can I freeze this pasta?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the creamy sauce and pasta separately for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How can I make this dish even creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, you can add more cottage cheese or a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce.

Can I use any cheese besides Parmesan?

Yes, you can try other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

What can I pair this dish with?

This creamy cottage cheese pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its light yet creamy sauce, this dish brings comfort without being too heavy. You can easily adjust it to your taste with various vegetables, protein options, or spice levels. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this pasta will surely hit the spot and become a go-to favorite.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

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Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a healthier twist on traditional creamy pasta dishes. Made with cottage cheese, this recipe creates a smooth, rich sauce that’s light yet indulgent. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s the perfect quick and satisfying weeknight meal. With its creamy texture, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this pasta is both comforting and nutritious—perfect for a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes!

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Total Time: 30min
• Yield: 4servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)

1 cup cottage cheese

½ cup milk (or more for desired creaminess)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of spice)

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Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

• While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

• In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese and milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more milk for a thinner sauce if desired.

• Once the garlic is softened, pour the cottage cheese mixture into the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

• Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.

• Ricotta Alternative: Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a milder, smoother texture.

• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and plant-based milk for a dairy-free creamy pasta option.

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp,

• Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce for an extra kick.