Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Cottage cheese pasta sauce is a creamy and nutritious alternative to traditional cream-based sauces. It’s quick to prepare, using simple ingredients, and adds a delightful tangy flavor to your favorite pasta dishes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain full-fat cottage cheese
• ½ cup milk of choice (skim, almond, half-and-half, or heavy cream)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot flour (for thickening)
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Set aside at room temperature.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add crushed garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the saucepan. The sauce will initially thin out — this is normal.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Reduce the heat to low and stir the slurry into the sauce.
6. Step 6: Cook the sauce gently on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use low-fat cottage cheese and skim milk for a lighter sauce.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheese profile.
• If you don’t have cornstarch, a small amount of flour can be used as thickener, but make a roux first.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the sauce is too thick upon reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this sauce?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well and will reduce the calorie content, although the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Why do I need to add cornstarch to the sauce?

Cottage cheese sauce tends to become watery when heated. Cornstarch slurry acts as a thickening agent, helping the sauce maintain a smooth and creamy texture after warming.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 66 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a quick and creamy sauce made from blended cottage cheese, Parmesan, and a touch of garlic, thickened with cornstarch for a smooth texture. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying pasta dinner ready in under 15 minutes.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup plain full-fat cottage cheese (or low-fat for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (skim, almond milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or other hard grated cheese)
• 1–2 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 1 packet of your favorite pasta (quantity as per package instructions, typically 8 oz or 225 g)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Sauce: In the jug of a high-speed blender or food processor bowl, combine the cottage cheese, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend on medium-high speed until the mixture is thick and creamy with no curd texture remaining. Set the blended sauce aside at room temperature.
3. Warm the Garlic Oil: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Cottage Cheese Sauce: Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce into the pan with the garlic oil. Initially, the sauce will appear rich and creamy, but as it warms, it will liquefy—this is normal.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly add this to the warm sauce, stirring continuously. Continue cooking on low heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Using full-fat cottage cheese yields a creamier sauce, but low-fat versions reduce calories.
• Adjust the milk quantity or type depending on your preferred sauce creaminess.
• Ensure to mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the sauce to prevent lumps.
• The sauce will thin out when heated, so thickening with cornstarch or arrowroot is essential.
• For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
• This sauce pairs well with a variety of pasta types including penne, spaghetti, and fusilli.

Keywords: Cottage cheese pasta sauce, creamy pasta sauce, quick pasta sauce, healthy pasta sauce, cottage cheese recipe, easy pasta dinner