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Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
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This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make sauce that combines tangy cottage cheese with simple pantry staples for a rich yet light pasta accompaniment. Ready in under 20 minutes, it offers a healthy alternative to traditional cream-based sauces, packed with protein and versatile enough for numerous flavor variations, making it perfect for quick, wholesome dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Variations (optional)

  • 1 cup fresh or sautéed spinach
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste
  • Roasted garlic instead of raw garlic
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and oregano for Mediterranean twist
  • Vegan cottage cheese and nutritional yeast as replacements

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic and chop any fresh herbs you plan to use. Measure out the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan so that all ingredients are ready for smooth combining.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring it does not burn.
  3. Blend Cottage Cheese: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan, lemon juice or zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until creamy and smooth for a lump-free luscious texture.
  4. Combine and Heat: Pour the blended mixture into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir gently and warm over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld while stirring occasionally for about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Add Herbs and Serve: Mix in fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their bright flavor. Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
  • Blend thoroughly to avoid a grainy texture.
  • Keep the sauce over low heat to prevent curdling or separation.
  • Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency and silkiness.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their vibrant flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta sauce, cottage cheese sauce, healthy pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, protein-rich pasta sauce, quick garlic sauce

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/creamy-cottage-cheese-pasta-sauce/