This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a fantastic twist on the usual pasta dish. It’s made with simple ingredients, keeping it light but oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, who knew cottage cheese could be this good? I love how it makes the sauce extra creamy without being heavy. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels like a hug! 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli or rotini works best for catching that creamy sauce. If you don’t have these, spaghetti or penne are great alternatives. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used, but keep an eye on the cooking time!
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is my go-to for that creamy texture. If you’re not a fan, you can use ricotta cheese instead. It will change the flavor slightly but won’t compromise creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan really adds a nutty flavor. If you want something different, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option can be used. They’ll still provide a nice depth to the dish!
Milk: Use regular milk for a richer sauce, or you can substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Adjust the amount based on how creamy you like it!
Basil: Fresh basil gives a lovely aromatic touch. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil can work in a pinch—just use a bit less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Make Sure the Sauce Is Creamy and Smooth?
Getting that creamy texture is key! Here’s how to ensure everything blends perfectly:
- Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water is magic for making sauces silkier!
- When mixing the cottage cheese, add the milk gradually. You want it to be creamy but not runny.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the cottage cheese with the milk and seasonings until silky before mixing it with the pasta.
- When combining everything, keep the heat low. This prevents the sauce from breaking and becoming grainy. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Follow these tips and you’ll have a perfectly creamy sauce that makes your pasta shine. Enjoy your cooking! 🌟
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) fusilli or rotini pasta
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (or as needed for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so in total, you can enjoy this delicious dish in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain the pasta but be sure to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. When it’s warm, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If you prefer a finer texture, feel free to blend the cottage cheese first before mixing with the other ingredients.
4. Mixing It All Together:
Now, add the drained pasta to your skillet with the garlic. Lower the heat to low, and pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the pasta. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add in a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you get your desired creaminess.
5. Finishing Up:
Let everything cook together for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often to heat through and allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
6. Serving It Up:
Once everything is hot and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with the fresh basil leaves for that extra pop of flavor!
Enjoy your creamy, light, and delicious cottage cheese pasta! It’s quick, satisfying, and oh-so-tasty!🍽️
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli and rotini are great for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti! Just adjust the cooking time based on the shape you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe with Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter option. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover creamy cottage cheese pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back the creaminess.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
If you want to jazz up the dish, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could also incorporate cooked protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it even heartier!
