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Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce High Protein Recipe for Easy Dinners

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This creamy, high-protein cottage cheese pasta sauce comes together in just 15 minutes and transforms simple pantry staples into a velvety, nourishing dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone looking to add more protein to their meals without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (about 8 oz) full-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup (about 1 oz) grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz dry pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, chickpea, or lentil pasta)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Optional: Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, chives), chopped
  • Optional: 1 cup baby spinach
  • Optional: Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, add cottage cheese, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
  3. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. If too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water.
  4. Return drained pasta to the hot pot (off heat). Pour the cottage cheese sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is glossy and smooth.
  5. If using add-ins like spinach or fresh herbs, fold them in now so the heat wilts the greens.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes as desired. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle on more parmesan before serving.
  7. Divide into bowls and top with extra parmesan, fresh herbs, or black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Blend the sauce thoroughly for the smoothest texture. Always mix the sauce into hot, drained pasta off the heat to prevent curdling. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. Customize with add-ins like spinach, roasted veggies, or fresh herbs. For gluten-free, use GF pasta. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat best with a splash of water or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta sauce, high protein pasta, healthy pasta sauce, quick dinner, creamy pasta, vegetarian, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free option, meal prep, protein sauce

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/cottage-cheese-pasta-sauce-high-protein-recipe-for-easy-dinners/