cottage cheese pasta sauce
This creamy and nutritious cottage cheese pasta sauce is a delightful alternative to traditional sauces. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a perfect complement to your favorite pasta. This dish is simple, quick to prepare, and can be ready in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or fork
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese 500 grams
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 15 grams
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 30 grams
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 30 ml
- 1 teaspoon salt 5 grams
- ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 grams
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 pound pasta of your choice e.g., spaghetti, penne (450 grams)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the ingredients are combined smoothly.
- Gradually add in the reserved pasta cooking water to the cottage cheese mixture, whisking until you reach a creamy consistency.
- Pour the cottage cheese sauce into the saucepan with the sautéed garlic. Stir to combine and heat through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If needed, adjust the thickness by adding more pasta cooking water.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional basil or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce.
Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for added nutrition.
This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain creaminess.