Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s creamy, high-protein, and unbelievably satisfying? This *Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta* is your new go-to! Perfect for weeknight meals, this easy recipe uses cottage cheese to create a silky sauce without cream, making it lighter yet incredibly rich. Whether you’re hunting for healthy dinner ideas, high-protein food ideas, or quick meals with minimal ingredients, this dish has you covered. It’s a smart way to enjoy pasta that doesn’t feel heavy but still hits all the comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, warm olive oil and red pepper flakes. Add the blended sauce and heat gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve in bowls, garnish with Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and parsley.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for a smoother and creamier sauce.
Always blend the sauce thoroughly to avoid graininess.
Don’t boil the sauce—heat gently to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 21
- Cholesterol: 25