Are you craving a comforting yet healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a delicious and surprisingly easy recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Forget heavy cream sauces; this recipe uses cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-packed twist on classic pasta dishes. It's one of those easy recipes that's both delicious and good for you – the best of both worlds! Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup small or large curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended for creamier texture)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk into the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy cottage cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. This healthy meal is perfect on its own, but a side salad would complement it beautifully.
Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Pasta:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce.
- Use good quality cottage cheese: The flavor of the cottage cheese will be prominent in the sauce, so choose a brand you enjoy. Small curd cottage cheese tends to blend more smoothly.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add protein: Boost the protein content further by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or peas to the sauce.
Variations:
- Lemon-Herb Cottage Cheese Pasta: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce, along with a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like oregano or basil.
- Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Cottage Cheese Pasta: Stir in your favorite cooked vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini along with the pasta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
This quick dinner idea is a delicious and healthy option for busy weeknights. The creamy texture and subtle flavors make this a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know what you think in the comments below!