Description
Healthy Cottage Cheese Pasta is the kind of quick dinner that feels creamy, cozy, and satisfying while still being a smart choice for busy days. This easy recipe blends cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and a splash of pasta water into a smooth high-protein sauce that coats every bite beautifully. It is perfect for a quick breakfast leftover, easy dinner, healthy snack portion, meal prep lunch, and simple food ideas when you want comfort without a heavy sauce. If you need easy recipe inspiration, easy pasta dinner ideas, or healthy pasta recipes the whole family will enjoy, this dish is a delicious place to start.
Ingredients
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the cottage cheese, Parmesan, sautéed garlic, milk, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to a blender or food processor.
4. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
5. Return the drained pasta to the pot and pour in the blended cottage cheese sauce.
6. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time and toss until the pasta is evenly coated and glossy.
7. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Blend the cottage cheese sauce until fully smooth so the finished pasta has a creamy texture instead of a grainy one.
Add the reserved pasta water gradually to control the thickness and keep the sauce silky.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: healthy cottage cheese pasta, high protein pasta, creamy cottage cheese pasta, easy dinner, healthy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner