Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a creamy, protein-packed alternative to traditional cream sauces. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to add a healthy twist to their pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened, or any milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, almond milk, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the blended sauce into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Stir well and cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
- Step 5: Toss with your favorite high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta) and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy a creamy, protein-packed meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer taste, try using full-fat milk or add extra Parmesan cheese.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a brighter flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more milk while blending.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted or increased to control the heat level.
Storage
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid boiling to maintain a creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can use any milk of your choice. Dairy or plant-based milk will work well, but unsweetened options are best to keep the sauce savory.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains cottage cheese and Parmesan, so it is not vegan. To make a vegan version, try substituting with plant-based cheeses and non-dairy yogurt alternatives.
PrintCreamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe
A creamy and protein-packed cottage cheese pasta sauce that combines the richness of full-fat cottage cheese with flavorful garlic and Italian seasonings. This sauce is blended and gently cooked on the stovetop, making it a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional cream-based pasta sauces. Perfect for pairing with high-protein pastas like chickpea or lentil pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened, or any milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant to release its aroma and flavor into the oil.
- Blend Sauce Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, almond milk, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything until smooth and creamy to create a rich sauce base.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the blended sauce mixture into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Stir well and cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm through and thicken slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. Blend in any additional seasoning as needed.
- Toss with Pasta: Toss the creamy cottage cheese sauce with your favorite high-protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta, ensuring each strand or piece is well coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and flavor. Enjoy your protein-rich, creamy pasta meal!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, you can omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of almond milk; add more for a thinner sauce.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Serve over whole grain or legume-based pasta for added nutrition and protein.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Keywords: cottage cheese sauce, creamy pasta sauce, high-protein pasta sauce, healthy pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, vegetarian pasta sauce
