Description
A quick, creamy, and protein-packed Cottage Cheese Pasta that comes together in under 20 minutes. This comforting and versatile dish uses simple pantry staples to deliver a flavorful, nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights, with options to customize for veggies, spice, or different dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup whole-milk cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Mix Cottage Cheese and Lemon: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir well to create a bright, tangy creaminess.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and olive oil. Stir in the cottage cheese mixture. Slowly add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Toss over low heat to let flavors meld.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use whole-milk cottage cheese for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to thin and loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their bright, fresh taste.
- Short, twisted pasta shapes like penne or fusilli hold sauce best.
- Variations include adding sautéed veggies, spices, or protein like chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 20mg