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cottage cheese pasta sauce Recipe

cottage cheese pasta sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy, healthy cottage cheese pasta sauce is a delicious and light alternative to traditional cream-based sauces. Made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese, garlic, and Parmesan, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. The sauce blends smoothly with al dente pasta for a satisfying vegetarian meal, garnished with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)

Sauce

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Sauté garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it as that will make it bitter.
  3. Prepare sauce base: In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, vegetable or chicken broth, the cooked garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  4. Blend the sauce: Use a blender or food processor to blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour in the blended cottage cheese sauce and toss well to combine. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
  6. Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  7. Serve and garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
  • For a vegan version, replace cottage cheese and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.
  • Reserve some pasta water as it helps to loosen and emulsify the sauce, making it cling perfectly to the pasta.
  • The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice gentle heat to the sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta sauce, creamy pasta sauce, healthy pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce

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Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/cottage-cheese-pasta-sauce-recipe/