Description
Creamy cottage cheese pasta brings Italian-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners. Simple ingredients merge into a quick, satisfying meal that delights with rich flavors and smooth textures you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions, carefully setting aside 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid.
- In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature until shimmering, then gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Transform cottage cheese into a silky, smooth consistency using a blender or food processor, creating a creamy base for the sauce.
- Pour the blended cottage cheese into the garlic-infused skillet, stirring continuously to integrate flavors and prevent scorching.
- Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a luxurious, velvety sauce texture, whisking until perfectly combined.
- Enhance the sauce with seasoning: sprinkle salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet, gently tumbling to ensure each strand is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
- Optional: Scatter freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of savory depth and richness.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and herbal brightness.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the aromatic garlic and herb notes to tantalize the palate.
Notes
- Achieve ultra-creamy texture by blending cottage cheese thoroughly until completely smooth without lumps.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary accommodations.
- Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring perfect coating and preventing thickness.
- Enhance protein content by incorporating additional ingredients like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 411 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg