Cottage cheese pasta is a comforting dish that brings a creamy twist to your favorite noodles. This easy recipe combines the rich texture of cottage cheese with flavorful marinara, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in a rush or enjoying a leisurely dinner, this dish is quick to prepare and can be served warm or cold, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese Pasta
High Protein and Satisfying Meal
This cottage cheese pasta is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a filling choice for lunch or dinner. The creamy cheese adds a delightful richness that complements the pasta beautifully, leaving you feeling satisfied.
Quick and Easy Preparation
In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this dish from start to finish. With minimal preparation and cooking time, cottage cheese pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss.
Customizable for Your Taste
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add various toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste, whether you prefer a bit of spice with red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
What You’ll Need
Essential Ingredients
- 1 box pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 clove garlic
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Spinach
- Chicken meatballs
- Hot honey
How To Make Cottage Cheese Pasta
Cooking the Pasta
Start by preparing the pasta according to the package directions. Don’t forget to set aside 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining!
Blending the Sauce
In a high-speed blender, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, garlic, and any desired spices. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, mix in the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
Combining and Serving
Next, combine the blended sauce with the cooked pasta, stirring gently to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated. Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes for that extra kick.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
Cooking Tips for Pasta
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. This way, it holds up well against the creamy sauce.
Storage and Meal Prep Ideas
Leftovers can easily be refrigerated and reheated on the stovetop, or enjoyed cold if you prefer. This dish is great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal throughout the week.
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to boost the nutrition, consider using lentil pasta for added protein and fiber. Alternatively, feel free to substitute regular pasta if that’s more to your liking.
FAQs
Can you add cottage cheese to pasta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be added to pasta to create a creamy and delicious sauce.
How much cottage cheese is enough?
Typically, 1 cup of cottage cheese is enough for one box of pasta.
Why do they call it cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese gets its name from the fact that it was originally made in cottages from leftover milk after making butter.
How to try cottage cheese for the first time?
You can try cottage cheese on its own, mixed with fruits, or in recipes like this pasta dish for a delicious introduction.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
- Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Chicken Orzo
- Spinach and Feta Casserole
Conclusion
Cottage cheese pasta is not just a meal; it’s a fulfilling experience that you can easily customize to fit your preferences. Whether you’re adding a sprinkle of parmesan or a dash of spice, this dish is sure to delight. For more inspiration and delicious recipes, be sure to check out Elly’s Recipes on Pinterest for a collection of wonderful ideas to try.
Cottage Cheese Pasta
Equipment
- high-speed blender
Ingredients
- 1 box pasta cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 clove garlic
- optional toppings parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions and reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
- Blend cottage cheese, marinara sauce, garlic, and desired spices until smooth.
- Mix the reserved pasta water into the blended sauce.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, stirring until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with parmesan and red pepper flakes.