Intro: About Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

Ditch the heavy cream and discover the magic of cottage cheese! This incredibly simple pasta dish transforms humble ingredients into a luxuriously creamy, protein-packed sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle. Lively fresh herbs deliver a crisp, sun-kissed essence, transforming this dish into a weeknight lifesaver that’s deeply fulfilling yet refreshingly light. Ready in about the time it takes to boil pasta, it’s the ultimate smart-and-speedy comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This:

  • Unbelievably Creamy (No Cream!): Blended cottage cheese creates a rich, velvety texture without the guilt.

  • Protein Powerhouse: Packed with protein thanks to the cottage cheese, keeping you fuller longer.

  • Weeknight Wonder: Comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.

  • Fresh & Flavourful: Loaded with the vibrant taste of your favourite garden herbs.

  • Endlessly Adaptable: Easily customize with different herbs, cheeses, or veggies.

Ingredients: You will need, for Making Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

  • 8 oz (225g) Pasta of Choice (Penne, Fusilli, or Farfalle work great)

  • 1 cup (225g) Full-Fat Cottage Cheese (key for creaminess!)

  • 1/3 cup (about 30g) Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for serving)

  • 1/4 cup (about 25g) Tangy Feta Cheese, crumbled

  • 1/3 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)

  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Leaves, roughly chopped

  • 1-2 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped (optional, but delicious)

  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • 2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced

  • Zest of 1/2 Lemon (optional, adds brightness)

  • 1/4 cup Pasta Water (reserved)

  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper as a taste

  • Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a kick)

Instructions: flow Step by Step.

  1. Cook the Pasta: For perfectly cooked pasta, start with a large pot of vigorously boiling water seasoned with ample salt. Before draining, carefully scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

  1. Blend the Base: While the pasta cooks, combine the cottage cheese, grated parmesan, fresh basil, parsley, dill (if using), and lemon zest (if using) in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Get your large skillet or pasta pot warming over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat through. Quickly add the minced garlic and any red pepper flakes, stirring immediately to bloom their flavors in the oil. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant – don’t let the garlic brown.

  2. Combine & Creamify: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the smooth cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Stir gently to combine and warm through for about 1 minute.

  3. Bring it Together: Add the drained pasta and crumbled feta cheese to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. To achieve the ideal creamy texture, carefully add your reserved pasta cooking liquid to an overly thick sauce in small increments (about a tablespoon each), stirring well after each

  4. Season & Serve:  Sample the dish and add ample salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your preference before presenting.

  5. Garnish & Enjoy: Divide the pasta among bowls. Garnish with extra chopped fresh basil, a sprinkle of parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Perfection:

  • Full-Fat is Best: Using full-fat cottage cheese is crucial for the creamiest, richest texture. Low-fat versions can make the sauce grainy or watery.

  • Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs are non-negotiable here for the brightest flavour. Dried herbs won’t deliver the same vibrant result.

  • Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold! It helps the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the pasta.

  • Don’t Overcook Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitter flavors.

  • Customize It: Add sautéed spinach, peas, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. Swap herbs based on what you have (chives, mint, oregano work well too). Add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang.

  • Texture Note: Blending the cottage cheese thoroughly ensures a silky-smooth sauce. No one wants lumpy cottage cheese surprises!

The Secret Sauce (Literally!):

The real genius of this dish lies in the humble cottage cheese. When blended smooth with savory parmesan and fragrant herbs, it morphs into a sauce that’s incredibly rich and satisfying, yet significantly lighter and higher in protein than traditional cream or Alfredo sauces. The feta adds delightful salty pops, while the fresh herbs bring it all to life. It’s proof that delicious comfort food can be both simple and smart!

Enjoy this creamy, herby, utterly satisfying pasta dish – a true testament to easy, flavourful cooking!

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta& Pasta Herb FAQ

1. What herbs go well with cottage cheese?

  • Fresh & Bright: Dill, chives, mint, basil, parsley (flat-leaf or curly), cilantro.

  • Savoury & Earthy: Thyme (lemon thyme is great), oregano, marjoram, tarragon (use sparingly), green onions/scallions.

  • Tip: Fresh herbs are best! Chop finely and stir in just before serving for maximum flavour. Add a pinch of black pepper too.

2. Can you use cottage cheese for creamy pasta?

  • Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a fantastic, high-protein base for creamy pasta sauces. Blend it smooth for a classic creamy texture, or use it slightly curded for a ricotta-like feel. It mixes wonderfully with pasta water, herbs, garlic, lemon, and cheese.

3. When to add fresh herbs to pasta?

  • General Rule: Add delicate fresh herbs (basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, dill, chives) AFTER cooking, just before serving or as a garnish. Cooking them destroys their fresh flavour and bright colour.

  • Hardier Herbs: Add sturdier fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage) earlier, like when sautéing garlic or onions. Their flavors benefit from a little cooking time to mellow and infuse the oil/sauce.

4. Do you add basil before or after cooking pasta?

  • Basil Specifically: Always add fresh basil AFTER cooking. Stir it in off the heat just before serving or sprinkle it on top as a garnish to preserve its amazing aroma and vibrant green colour.

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