High-Protein Blended Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

This blended cottage cheese pasta sauce turns smooth and creamy in minutes, then coats hot pasta without heavy cream or meat.

Blended Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

Blend the dairy completely smooth before heating, then keep the skillet below a boil. Reserved pasta water loosens the sauce without diluting its savory flavor.

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Sauce time: 8 minutes
• Yield: About 3 cups sauce
• Serves: 4 with 8 oz pasta
• Equipment: Blender and wide skillet

Ingredients

• 8 oz dry short pasta
• 2 cups 4% cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil for serving

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

1. Cook 8 oz pasta according to its package timing until al dente.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
3. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-low heat for 30 seconds.
4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds without browning.
5. Transfer garlic and oil to a blender.
6. Add cottage cheese, Parmesan, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Blend on low for 15 seconds.
8. Increase to high and blend for 60 seconds.
9. Scrape the sides, then blend for 30 additional seconds.
10. Pour the sauce into the skillet and heat over low for 3 minutes.
11. Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water.
12. Toss for 2 minutes, adding remaining water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
13. Remove from heat before the sauce boils and finish with basil.

Heat the sauce gently

High heat can separate the dairy and make the sauce grainy. Keep the burner low and use hot pasta water to adjust consistency.

Protein and Texture Notes

Cottage cheese and Parmesan provide the sauce’s protein, but the exact amount varies by brand and serving size. Use package labels when tracking a specific target.

• Use 4% cottage cheese for the smoothest texture.
• Grate Parmesan finely so it dissolves quickly.
• Add pasta water gradually instead of pouring it all at once.
• Choose a high-protein pasta separately if it fits your eating plan.

Storage and Reheating

For safe handling and storage, follow the USDA leftovers guidance, including prompt refrigeration and clean utensils.

• Refrigerate within 2 hours in a shallow sealed container at 40 degrees F or colder.
• Use within 3 days.
• Reheat over low heat for 4 to 6 minutes with 1 tablespoon milk per serving.
• Stir frequently and heat leftovers to 165 degrees F.
• Do not freeze because the dairy sauce may separate after thawing.

Use cottage cheese again in queso dip, cold cottage cheese dip, or meal-prep egg bites.

Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce FAQ

Why is my sauce grainy?

It was under-blended or heated too aggressively. Blend until completely smooth, then keep the skillet on low and remove it before boiling.