Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a creamy, protein-packed alternative to traditional tomato-based sauces. With the mild flavor of cottage cheese, combined with garlic, herbs, and a touch of parmesan, this sauce makes a rich and satisfying coating for your favorite pasta. It’s an easy-to-make, healthier option that provides all the creamy goodness without the heaviness of traditional cream-based sauces. It’s a great way to add a bit of extra protein to your pasta while keeping things light and flavorful!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this sauce is how creamy and smooth it is, without being too rich or heavy. The cottage cheese adds a slight tang that complements the garlic and herbs, making it the perfect balance of flavors. It’s simple to make, using just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to use cottage cheese in a savory dish, turning a humble ingredient into something truly delicious. This sauce is great for quick weeknight dinners or a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, depending on preference)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Cooked pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, etc.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Base:

   • In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. If you want a super creamy texture, blend it until completely smooth, or leave it slightly textured for a more rustic sauce.

2. Sauté Garlic:

   • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Lower the heat and stir in the blended cottage cheese. Add the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using), and mix well.

   • Gradually add the vegetable or chicken broth (or pasta water), stirring until you reach your desired consistency. You can add more broth or pasta water for a thinner sauce, or leave it thicker for a creamier texture.

4. Finish the Sauce:

   • Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

5. Serve:

   • Toss the sauce with your cooked pasta, ensuring each noodle is well coated with the creamy sauce.

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Serve:

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is delicious served over your favorite pasta, or even used as a sauce for roasted vegetables or baked pasta dishes like lasagna or baked ziti. Pair it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a satisfying meal!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes enough sauce for about 4 servings of pasta. Prep time is about 5 minutes, and cooking time is around 10 minutes.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

• Adding sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

• Mixing in some pesto or tomato paste for an added depth of flavor.

• Using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a smoother, milder sauce.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before serving, adding a little extra broth or pasta water if needed.

Can I freeze this sauce?
While cottage cheese sauces don’t freeze as well as other cream-based sauces, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese will work perfectly in this recipe. The sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a healthier, creamy alternative to traditional pasta sauces, perfect for when you want a satisfying meal without the heaviness of cream or butter. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to incorporate cottage cheese into your dishes. With its smooth texture and comforting flavor, this sauce will quickly become a favorite in your pasta rotation!