The kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of garlic sautéing in a pan, as you stir together creamy cottage cheese and marinara sauce. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delightful bowl of creamy cottage cheese pasta that embraces you with its rich texture and high protein content. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to spend all night cooking.
This recipe is for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious meal that keeps you feeling full and energized. It’s ideal for a wholesome dinner or even a meal prep option, as it stores well. You can easily make it ahead of time, and it keeps in the fridge for up to three days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s gluten-free and packed with protein.
- The creamy sauce elevates the pasta’s flavor.
- It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
- Perfect for different pasta shapes and sizes.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious creamy cottage cheese pasta.
For the Pasta
- 1 box pasta, cooked according to package instructions
For the Sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For Serving
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Note: Use any favorite pasta shape for variety.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt.
- Use any marinara sauce for flavor.
- Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
How to Make It
This simple recipe comes together in just a few steps.
Cook
Cook pasta of choice according to the package and reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta once done.
Blend
In a high-speed blender, add cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
Combine
After blending, add the reserved pasta water and mix well until fully combined.
Serve
Pour the sauce over cooked and drained pasta. Mix until the pasta is fully covered in the creamy sauce. Top with parmesan and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the sauce may separate.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure to reserve enough pasta water for a creamy texture.
- Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest sauce.
- Taste before serving; adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Experiment with additional herbs or spices for more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside garlic bread for a comforting touch.
- Perfect for casual weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Leave a Comment