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Dreamy Cottage Cheese Pasta 15 Min
Oh my goodness, you HAVE to try this cottage cheese pasta! It’s become my absolute go-to when I need something super quick, ridiculously creamy, and packed with protein. I stumbled upon this gem a few months ago when I was trying to use up some cottage cheese, and honestly, I was a little skeptical. But wow, it totally blew me away! It’s so simple, but the way the cottage cheese blends up into this luxurious sauce is just magic. Seriously, you won’t believe how good this pasta is, and it comes together faster than you can decide what to watch on TV!
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pasta
- It’s unbelievably quick – dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Uses just a few simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Super creamy and satisfying, but also packed with protein to keep you full.
- Totally versatile – you can add whatever veggies or seasonings you’re craving!
Quick Preparation for Cottage Cheese Pasta
Seriously, this cottage cheese pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You cook the pasta, blend the sauce, and mix it all up. That’s it! It’s almost too easy, but trust me, it tastes like you spent way more time on it.
Simple Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Pasta
You don’t need any fancy stuff for this! Just pasta, cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and milk. That’s the magic base, and it proves you can make something amazing with just a handful of pantry staples.
Ingredients for Your Cottage Cheese Pasta
Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy cottage cheese pasta. It’s a pretty short list, which is part of why I love it so much! You’ll want about a pound of your favorite pasta – penne, rotini, or even fettuccine work beautifully. Then, grab a cup of cottage cheese. I usually go for full-fat because, well, creaminess, but low-fat works too if that’s your jam. Next up is half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese – the real stuff, please! – and about a quarter cup of milk. Whole milk or 2% is perfect here; it just helps everything blend up nice and smooth. Don’t forget two cloves of garlic, minced up nice and fine, and of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Oh, and for a little extra flair? Fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes are always a good idea if you have them!
Alright, let’s get this amazing cottage cheese pasta made! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be wondering where this has been all your life. First things first, get your pasta cooking according to the package directions. While that’s bubbling away, and you hear that familiar happy pasta sound, make sure you scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain everything. That stuff is liquid gold for making the sauce just right! Now, for the magic part: grab your food processor or a blender. Toss in your cottage cheese, that lovely grated Parmesan, a splash of milk, and your minced garlic. Blitz it all up until it’s super smooth and creamy. You want it to look like a dreamy, thick sauce. Once your pasta is drained, just dump that glorious cheese mixture right into the pot with the pasta. Give it a good stir, making sure every strand gets coated. If it looks a little too thick, don’t panic! Just add a little bit of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get the consistency you love. Season it up with salt and pepper to your heart’s content. You can even taste it here and adjust if you need more cheese or seasoning. It’s that easy!
Achieving the Perfect Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Consistency
The secret to that perfect, velvety sauce really comes down to that reserved pasta water. If your cottage cheese mixture seems a bit too thick after you’ve blended it, that starchy water is your best friend. Add it just a tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition, until you reach that luscious, creamy consistency that coats the pasta beautifully. You’re aiming for something that’s smooth and pourable, not gloopy or watery.
Tips for Success with Cottage Cheese Pasta
You know, to make this cottage cheese pasta absolutely sing, there are a couple of little things I always do. If you want an extra touch of richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter along with the cheese mixture – it just adds another layer of yum! Also, don’t be afraid to play with the milk. If you like a thinner, more sauce-like consistency, add a bit more milk. If you prefer it thicker, just use a little less. The best part about this dish? It tastes absolutely divine when it’s fresh and warm, right off the stove. So, try to serve it up as soon as it’s ready for that ultimate creamy pasta experience!
This cottage cheese pasta is just divine served piping hot! I love topping mine with some fresh basil leaves for a bit of color and freshness, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if I want a little kick. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash more milk or a little bit of water to loosen it up again, getting that creamy texture back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Pasta
Got questions about this amazing cottage cheese pasta? I’ve got answers! People often ask if they can swap out the cheeses. Absolutely! While Parmesan gives it that lovely savory bite, you could try a sharp cheddar or even some nutritional yeast for a dairy-free kick. For meal prep, this recipe holds up pretty well for a couple of days, but like I said, it’s best fresh. If you want to make the sauce thinner, just add a bit more milk or that reserved pasta water. Thicker? Use a little less milk next time or blend in an extra tablespoon of cottage cheese. And veggies? YES! Spinach, peas, roasted broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms are fantastic additions. Just toss them in when you mix the sauce with the pasta.
Approximate Nutritional Information for Cottage Cheese Pasta
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this cottage cheese pasta is an estimate, because we all use slightly different ingredients, right? But generally, you’re looking at around 450 calories per serving. It’s got about 15g of fat, a really solid 20g of protein, and roughly 60g of carbs. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a satisfying meal that’s also a good source of protein!
Share Your Cottage Cheese Pasta Creation
I’d absolutely LOVE to hear what you think of this creamy cottage cheese pasta! Did you try it? Did you add anything special? Please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. If you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I live for seeing your kitchen creations!
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Dreamy Cottage Cheese Pasta 15 Min
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and creamy pasta dish made with cottage cheese for a protein-rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh basil, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta is cooking, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, and minced garlic in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add the blended cheese mixture to the drained pasta.
- Stir well, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter.
- Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
- This dish is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cottage cheese pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta, quick dinner, protein pasta, vegetarian pasta
