Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a protein-packed, gluten-free dish that combines the smooth, creamy texture of cottage cheese with your favorite gluten-free pasta for a satisfying, quick meal. Simple to make and full of flavor, this dish is a healthy, comfort food option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein – Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture while boosting the protein content.
- Gluten-Free – Made with gluten-free pasta, it’s a perfect meal for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Customizable – Add your favorite herbs or veggies for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – A great low-carb alternative to traditional creamy pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups gluten-free pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Heat the Sauce: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the cottage cheese mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until heated through.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Serve with fresh herbs for garnish, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
Variations
- Add Veggies – Toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Cheese Boost – Mix in a bit of Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for added richness.
- Herbs & Seasonings – Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to elevate the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, though the dish will no longer be gluten-free.
2. Is this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is not dairy-free, but you can use dairy-free cottage cheese and milk alternatives to make it dairy-free.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply heat it and mix with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
4. Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! Add cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage for a more substantial meal.
5. What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, you can blend in a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.
7. Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
8. How do I make this dish more flavorful?
Add fresh herbs, garlic, or roasted vegetables for extra depth of flavor.
9. Can I use frozen spinach in this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
10. How can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat cottage cheese and a dairy-free milk alternative for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a quick, protein-packed, and gluten-free meal that’s perfect for busy days. With its creamy texture and simple ingredients, this dish offers a satisfying, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Add your favorite herbs, veggies, or seasonings to make it your own, and enjoy this delicious meal in just 15 minutes!
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Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a protein-packed, gluten-free dish made with cottage cheese and gluten-free pasta for a quick, satisfying meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this creamy, healthy comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or seasonings for a delicious twist!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- ½ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups gluten-free pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Heat the Sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, add the cottage cheese mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until heated through.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheese Boost: Stir in Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a richer flavor.
- Herbs & Seasonings: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for added depth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Gluten-Free
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
