This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce is a simple and tasty way to enjoy your favorite pasta. It combines cottage cheese with herbs and garlic for a comforting flavor.
Honestly, I love that it’s so quick to whip up. Just blend, heat, and toss with pasta. You’ll impress everyone without all the fuss! Plus, it’s a sneaky way to add protein! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the sauce. I love using full-fat cottage cheese for creaminess, but you can opt for low-fat or non-fat varieties if you’re looking to cut calories.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought marinara for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade tomato sauce can add a personal touch. For a twist, try using pesto instead for a fresh flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide that cheesy taste without the dairy. Just adjust the salt since it’s naturally salty.
Olive Oil: I pick extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste. If you’re out, feel free to swap in canola or another neutral oil. You won’t get that same depth, but it’ll still work.
Pasta: Linguine is a great choice, but penne or fusilli are also fun options! Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if that’s your style. Cooking times will vary, so keep an eye on it.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Sauce is Perfectly Mixed and Creamy?
The secret is all in the mixing! After you sauté the garlic, it’s important to combine the cottage cheese mixture well. Here’s how to get that creamy sauce!
- After sautéing the garlic, lower the heat to medium-low before adding your cottage cheese mixture. This ensures it doesn’t boil too rapidly.
- Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix the ingredients in the skillet, incorporating the garlic without losing its flavor.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for those 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld and gives the sauce a smooth texture.
Remember, if your sauce looks too thick, you can stir in a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy your creamy goodness!
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes (for some heat)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces linguine or pasta of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients in the Skillet:
Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely!
5. Add Spice (Optional):
If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce now. Stir it in and let it cook for another minute.
6. Toss the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Make sure every strand is nicely covered!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your creamy cottage cheese pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley for that lovely pop of color!
This delicious and protein-rich cottage cheese pasta sauce is a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta sauces. Enjoy it with a fresh salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal!
Can I Substitute Another Cheese for Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese for a similar texture and creaminess. For a sharper flavor, consider trying cream cheese or even a blend of these cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly based on your choice.
What Can I Use Instead of Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can substitute it with any tomato-based sauce like pomodoro, crushed tomatoes, or even homemade tomato sauce. You might want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if using straight crushed tomatoes.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it appears too thick. It can also be used as a filling for baked dishes like lasagna!
Can I Make This Sauce Vegan-Friendly?
Yes! To make this sauce vegan, replace the cottage cheese with a tofu-based mixture blended with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. For the Parmesan, you can use a store-bought vegan cheese or make your own by blending cashews with nutritional yeast and garlic powder. Enjoy your creamy vegan pasta sauce!
