Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
