Description
This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional Alfredo! Packed with protein, it’s smooth, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk (or pasta water)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 12 oz cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite)
Instructions
-
Blend the Sauce:
In a blender, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, and milk.
Blend until smooth and creamy. -
Sauté the Garlic:
Heat olive oil (or butter) in a pan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Combine & Heat:
Pour the blended sauce into the pan with the garlic.
Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until warmed through. -
Mix with Pasta:
Add cooked pasta and toss until fully coated.
If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve immediately for a creamy, protein-packed pasta dish!
Notes
- Optional Add-ins:
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein.
- Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be added for added veggies.
- A squeeze of lemon juice will add brightness to the sauce.
- You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more pasta water if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg