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This Cottage Cheese Pasta offers a creamy twist on classic tomato pasta sauce by blending cottage cheese into the mix. This adds a protein boost and a smooth texture that even cottage cheese skeptics will love. Quick, healthy, and comforting, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta (your favorite type)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup cottage cheese
Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once ready, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Blend the cottage cheese in a blender until smooth. This step ensures the cheese blends well with the tomato sauce.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stir, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Add the smooth cottage cheese and mix well. Stir in the cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the pasta in bowls, topping with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 468 kcal
Carbohydrates: 84g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 2mg
Sodium: 644mg
Potassium: 885mg
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 14g
Vitamin A: 472 IU
Vitamin C: 21mg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 4mg

Why Choose Cottage Cheese for Pasta Sauce?

Cottage cheese may not immediately come to mind when thinking of pasta sauce, but it offers several advantages. First, it’s a great source of protein, which makes the meal more filling and nutritious. By blending the cottage cheese into the tomato sauce, it also adds a creamy texture that complements the tangy flavor of the crushed tomatoes. The result is a smooth, velvety sauce that’s rich without being overly heavy.

Unlike cream-based sauces, which can be high in fat, cottage cheese provides a lighter, healthier alternative. It’s lower in calories and fat while still offering a rich, indulgent texture. Additionally, cottage cheese has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the more robust, savory taste of tomato sauce, making it a versatile ingredient for a wide range of pasta dishes.

The Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Pasta

One of the key reasons Cottage Cheese Pasta stands out is its health benefits. It’s a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. The pasta offers energy-sustaining carbohydrates, while the cottage cheese adds a healthy dose of protein, which helps build and repair muscles. A cup of cottage cheese contains about 28 grams of protein, which is more than most dairy products. This makes the dish particularly beneficial for those looking to increase their protein intake, whether for muscle gain or just general health.

The addition of crushed tomatoes provides an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, which are important for immune function and heart health. The tomatoes also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that is linked to various health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

With fiber from the pasta and tomatoes, Cottage Cheese Pasta is also good for digestion, helping to maintain a healthy gut. And because it’s lower in fat than traditional cream-based pasta sauces, it can be a good option for those who are looking to reduce their overall fat intake without sacrificing flavor.

A Creamy and Delicious Tomato Sauce

The heart of this dish lies in the creamy tomato sauce. The sauce starts with olive oil, garlic, and onions, which form a flavorful base for the tomatoes. Italian seasoning adds depth and warmth, infusing the sauce with the comforting flavors we associate with Italian cooking. Once the crushed tomatoes are added and the sauce simmers, the flavors come together beautifully.

Blending the cottage cheese until smooth ensures it integrates seamlessly with the sauce. This creates a luscious, creamy consistency that coats the pasta perfectly. It’s a brilliant way to add creaminess without resorting to heavy cream or butter. The addition of Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, umami finish that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Customizing Cottage Cheese Pasta

While this recipe is delicious as-is, it’s also highly customizable. If you like a little heat in your dishes, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. For extra depth of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce. These ingredients can complement the richness of the cottage cheese while adding their own unique textures and flavors.

You can also experiment with different pasta shapes. While the recipe calls for your favorite type of pasta, something like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works particularly well because the sauce clings to the ridges of the pasta. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great alternatives that will still work beautifully with the sauce.

The Convenience Factor

One of the best things about Cottage Cheese Pasta is how easy it is to make. It’s a one-pan dish that comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. The pasta cooks while you prepare the sauce, and within minutes, you have a creamy, flavorful meal. Plus, it’s a great dish for those looking to cut down on the number of pots and pans they need to clean up after dinner.

With only a few ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, you can make this dish without needing to make a special trip to the store. The recipe calls for pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and cottage cheese—items that are easily found in most kitchens. This makes it a go-to recipe when you’re short on time or ingredients but still want to make something delicious and nutritious.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Cottage Cheese Pasta also works wonderfully for meal prepping. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to have a comforting meal ready for lunch or dinner. The creamy sauce holds up well in leftovers, and the pasta continues to soak up the flavors of the sauce, making it even more flavorful the next day.

For longer storage, Cottage Cheese Pasta can also be frozen. Simply allow the pasta to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or extra sauce if needed to bring it back to life.

Pairing Suggestions

Cottage Cheese Pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. You could also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce, or a simple side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

For those who enjoy a bit of protein on the side, grilled chicken or turkey meatballs would complement the flavors of the dish while adding some extra nutritional value. You could even add a few sautéed shrimp if you’re craving seafood.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that combines the best of creamy pasta sauce and the savory goodness of tomatoes. The addition of cottage cheese creates a smooth, velvety texture that elevates the dish while providing a healthy protein boost. Quick to make and versatile, this dish is a great option for busy weeknights, meal prep, or any time you want a comforting, flavorful meal. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, Cottage Cheese Pasta is sure to become a family favorite.

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