Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

The Creamiest Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a delightful cottage cheese pasta suddenly feels like culinary magic waiting to happen.

Creamy textures mingle with robust flavors in this simple yet stunning dish.

Weeknight dinners call for something quick and satisfying that doesn’t compromise on taste.

pasta lovers will adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance across your plate, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Smooth cottage cheese creates a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta curve.

Hunger pangs will disappear the moment you take your first delectable bite.

Why Cottage Cheese Pasta Is So Creamy

  • Brew Bold Flavor: Indulge in a delightful coffee-infused chocolate cupcake that brings an exciting twist to classic desserts with rich, deep flavor profiles.
  • Master Versatile Decoration: Create stunning cupcakes with multiple topping options like ganache or buttercream, allowing personal creativity and style in presentation.
  • Craft Gourmet Experience: Elevate home baking skills by preparing a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting coffee intensity, trying different chocolate types, or experimenting with garnish to match personal taste preferences and make the recipe truly unique.

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Pasta

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A key component that serves as the base of this creamy and flavorful dish.
  • Cottage Cheese: Creates a smooth, rich sauce with a tangy and creamy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste of the pasta.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes: Seasonings that add depth, heat, and balance to the dish.
For the Garnish and Optional Additions:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing garlic and adding a subtle richness to the recipe.
  • Parsley, Extra Parmesan: Fresh herbs and additional cheese that bring brightness and extra flavor to the finished dish.
  • Pasta Water: A starchy liquid that helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Easily

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your chosen pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Before draining, scoop out some pasta water and set it aside – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Heat a skillet with olive oil and gently sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and golden, releasing its mouth-watering aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Blend Smooth Sauce Magic

Grab your blender and toss in:
  • Cottage cheese
  • Sautéed garlic
  • Parmesan cheese

Blitz everything until you have a luxuriously smooth sauce.

If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve a dreamy, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Unite Pasta and Sauce

Return the cooked pasta to the pot and pour in your velvety sauce.

Gently stir to ensure every single noodle gets a generous coating of the creamy goodness.

Step 5: Season and Elevate

Sprinkle in salt, crack some black pepper, and add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your pasta with fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite.

Helpful Notes for Cottage Cheese Pasta

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier, richer sauce that coats pasta more effectively.
  • Blend the sauce ingredients thoroughly to achieve a silky smooth texture without lumps.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a perfect sauce consistency.
  • Add chili flakes gradually to control spice level and suit individual taste preferences.
  • Opt for fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant, robust flavor profile in the pasta dish.

Flavor Twists for Cottage Cheese Pasta Fans

  • Herb-Infused Cottage Cheese Pasta: Blend fresh basil, oregano, and thyme into the cottage cheese sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Roasted Vegetable Cottage Cheese Pasta: Sauté zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes before mixing them into the creamy sauce for added texture and flavor.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Cottage Cheese Pasta: Add roasted jalapeños and a dash of smoked paprika to the blended sauce for a fiery kick that elevates the dish.
  • Mushroom and Truffle Cottage Cheese Pasta: Sauté wild mushrooms and drizzle truffle oil into the sauce for an elegant, earthy variation that feels luxurious.

Best Ways to Serve Cottage Cheese Pasta

  • Creamy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the cheesy pasta into deep bowls, creating a comforting meal perfect for cozy nights. Top with extra chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Picnic Perfect Pasta: Pack the cooled pasta in airtight containers for a delightful lunch option. Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving to keep the flavors bright.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Hack: Transform the basic recipe into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. Mix in some roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
  • Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve small portions in cute ramekins as a sophisticated starter. Garnish with crispy breadcrumbs and a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil for an upscale presentation.

How to Store Cottage Cheese Pasta Properly

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Microwaving can cause cottage cheese sauce to separate and become grainy. Stovetop reheating maintains the sauce's smooth consistency better.

FAQs

  • Why use cottage cheese in pasta sauce?

Cottage cheese provides a creamy, protein-rich base that’s lighter than traditional cream sauces, offering a healthier alternative with a smooth, tangy texture.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

While cottage cheese gives a unique flavor, you can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese for a similar creamy consistency.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this pasta dish is completely vegetarian-friendly, packed with protein from cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese.

  • How can I make this pasta dish more nutritious?

Add roasted vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor to the dish.

Print
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Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy cottage cheese pasta brings together simple ingredients for a comforting meal. Italian-inspired techniques create a quick, satisfying dish that blends protein and flavor effortlessly. Diners savor each bite with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cottage cheese
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) red chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
  2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing minced garlic until golden and aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  3. Transfer garlic, cottage cheese, and Parmesan into a high-powered blender. Pulse until achieving a silky, uniform consistency, gradually introducing reserved pasta water to create a luxurious, pourable sauce.
  4. Transfer drained pasta back to the original pot, pouring the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles. Toss thoroughly, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the velvety sauce.
  5. Elevate the flavor profile by seasoning with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a subtle heat.
  6. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley and an optional dusting of additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced texture and taste.

Notes

  • Blend cottage cheese thoroughly to achieve a silky, creamy sauce without lumps for a restaurant-quality texture.
  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for richer flavor and smoother consistency compared to low-fat alternatives.
  • Adjust pasta water carefully to control sauce thickness, adding gradually to prevent watery results.
  • Try herb variations like basil or oregano to customize the sauce’s flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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