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Creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce blended smooth and served over pasta for a quick high-protein 10-minute meal

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce (High-Protein & Ready in 10 Minutes) - Fast, Comforting, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta – short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells, or long pasta like fettuccine
  • 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese – 2% or full-fat for best creaminess
  • 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan – plus more for serving
  • 1–2 cloves garlic – raw for punch, or lightly sautéed for mellow flavor
  • 2–3 tablespoons pasta cooking water – start small, add more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – optional but adds silkiness
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice – brightens the sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt – to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes – optional, for a gentle kick
  • Fresh herbs – parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Blend the sauce base: In a blender, add cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Add 2 tablespoons hot pasta water and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is very thick, blend in another tablespoon or two of pasta water. You’re aiming for a pourable, velvety texture that will cling to noodles.
  4. Warm it gently (optional): Return the drained pasta to the warm pot over low heat. Pour in the sauce and toss for 30–60 seconds until heated through. Do not boil the sauce—gentle heat keeps it silky.
  5. Season and finish: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and fresh herbs if you like. Add a splash more pasta water if it tightens up.
  6. Serve: Plate immediately with extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy while hot and glossy.