This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a tasty twist on your regular pasta dish! With soft cottage cheese blended into a rich sauce, it brings a comforting feel to your meal.
Honestly, who knew cottage cheese could be this delightful? I love tossing in some veggies for a pop of color and flavor. Quick, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying—you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rotini for its ability to hold onto the sauce, but feel free to switch it up with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative!
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese works best for a creamy texture. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but keep in mind it may alter the creaminess. Cottage cheese is versatile—if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try ricotta!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. You could even use nutritional yeast for a vegan twist—it’s cheesy without the dairy!
Heavy Cream: While it makes the sauce extra creamy, you can skip it or substitute with milk or a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re looking to lighten things up.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds brightness, but if you don’t have any, dried basil could suffice. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger, so use them sparingly!
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta is Creamy and Not Dry?
The key to keeping this pasta creamy lies in the sauce and how you combine it with the pasta. Make sure to save some pasta water as it has starch that helps thicken and emulsify the sauce, giving it that creamy texture.
- Cook pasta until just al dente; this ensures it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Add the blended cottage cheese mixture to the pasta gradually. Stir well to coat.
- If it appears thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you go! This helps the sauce stick and keep it flavorful.
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy cottage cheese pasta can be made in approximately 20-25 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce, and another 10-15 minutes for combining and garnishing. It’s a quick and delicious option for dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain it in a colander and remember to save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. When it’s warmed up, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You want it to be fragrant but make sure it doesn’t turn brown—otherwise, it might taste bitter!
3. Blend the Creamy Sauce:
Grab a blender or food processor and combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if you’re using it) in there. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy without any lumps. This will be the delicious sauce for your pasta!
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, take the drained pasta and add it to the skillet with your sautéed garlic. Reduce the heat to low and pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the pasta. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated in that rich sauce.
5. Adjust the Consistency:
If it looks a bit too thick, don’t worry! Gradually add some of that reserved pasta water—just a little at a time. Stir as you go until you reach your preferred sauce consistency.
6. Season and Serve:
Time to flavor it up! Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir everything well and let it warm through—just a couple of minutes of gentle heat will do.
7. Garnish and Enjoy!
Serve your creamy cottage cheese pasta in bowls. Top it with a sprinkle of fresh basil slices and a dash of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Enjoy this warm and creamy pasta right away!
This dish is an easy and harmonious blend of flavors that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy texture from the cottage cheese combined with the bright basil will make it both delightful and satisfying!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini pasta with any gluten-free pasta variety. Just ensure to follow the packaging instructions for cooking times, as they may vary slightly compared to regular pasta.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Alternatively, nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option that adds a cheesy taste!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Pasta?
Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli can enhance both the flavor and nutrition content. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the pasta, or mix them in once the pasta is combined with the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy cottage cheese pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to bring back the creaminess!
