Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, it’s an easy meal that comes together quickly and makes a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the blended cheese sauce and gently warm it for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Step 5: Serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based creamy alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta for extra texture and nutrients.
• If you prefer a zestier flavor, increase the lemon zest or add a splash of white wine to the sauce while heating.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! This sauce pairs well with many pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Is cottage cheese a good substitute for cream in pasta sauces?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese adds creaminess with less fat and more protein, making it a lighter but equally delicious alternative to heavy cream.

Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a quick and nutritious dish combining the tangy richness of cottage cheese with the hearty texture of rotini pasta. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon, this creamy sauce offers a healthy alternative to traditional cream-based pasta sauces. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and a velvety finish.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 12 oz rotini pasta

Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Cracked black pepper (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a blender, combine the full-fat cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a velvety sauce texture.
3. Warm the sauce: Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a medium skillet. Add the crushed red pepper flakes if using, and let them infuse the oil for about 1 minute. Pour in the blended cottage cheese sauce and gently warm it on the stove, stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes, taking care not to overheat or curdle the cheese.
4. Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the warm sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve desired creaminess. Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning accordingly.
5. Serve and garnish: Divide the creamy cottage cheese pasta into serving bowls. Garnish each portion with additional grated Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a lighter option, you can use low-fat or part-skim cottage cheese, but the sauce may be less creamy.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
• Be careful warming the sauce on the stovetop; overheating may cause the cottage cheese to separate.
• Reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
• This dish can be enhanced by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick vegetarian pasta, healthy pasta sauce, lemon pasta, easy weeknight dinner