Description
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a healthier alternative to traditional cream sauces, offering a rich and creamy texture with a tangy twist. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a creamy topping for any dish!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Blend the Cottage Cheese: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. If you like a chunkier texture, pulse just a few times.
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Combine with Seasonings: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the saucepan with the garlic. Stir in the salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and onion powder (if using). Cook over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Parmesan (Optional): If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier flavor. This step is optional but adds a lovely depth to the sauce.
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Serve: Pour the creamy cottage cheese sauce over your cooked pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, etc.) and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a Thicker Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can cook it for a few extra minutes to reduce it, or add a little extra cottage cheese for thickness.
- Make It Vegan: For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy cottage cheese and vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Flavor Variations: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little more milk or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Gravy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg