This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a quick and tasty meal. With silky cottage cheese blending into your favorite pasta, it brings a light yet satisfying dish to the table.
I love how simple it is to whip up—just cook the pasta, mix in the cheese, and you’re ready to eat! It’s perfect for busy days or a cozy night in. 🍝😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta helps hold the creamy sauce beautifully. If you don’t have rotini, consider using fusilli or penne instead. Both will work just fine!
Cottage Cheese: Fresh cottage cheese gives this dish its creamy base. If you want a smoother texture, ricotta is a good alternative. You can also try paneer for a unique twist!
Heavy Cream or Milk: Heavy cream creates a richer sauce, while milk makes it lighter. You can adjust the amount based on how creamy you prefer your dish. For a healthier option, Greek yogurt works too—just stir it in at the end to avoid curdling.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brightens the flavors. If you’re out, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is always better. In a pinch, shallots can also add a great taste!
Lemon Zest: The lemon zest adds a fresh pop of flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use a dash of lemon juice, but go easy as it can be stronger.
How Do I Make the Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
Making a luscious creamy sauce requires a few key steps. First, when you add the cottage cheese and cream, keep the heat low to avoid curdling. Stir constantly to help the cheese melt smoothly.
- Heat your skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat before adding garlic.
- After sautéing the garlic for about a minute, lower the heat and mix in the cottage cheese with cream or milk.
- As the cheese starts to melt, keep stirring until you reach a smooth consistency. If you’re using Parmesan, mix it in until fully integrated.
Remember, patience is key! Taking your time with the heat will ensure a deliciously creamy sauce you’re proud to serve.
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 250 grams rotini pasta (or any short curly pasta)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cottage cheese (paneer or ricotta can also be used)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (such as tarragon or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and making the sauce, along with an additional 10-15 minutes for any small adjustments and plating. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. After about a minute, add the minced garlic, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant (but be careful not to brown it!). This step takes around 1 minute.
3. Combine the Cheese and Cream:
Next, reduce the heat to low. Add the cottage cheese along with the heavy cream or milk to the skillet. Stir frequently, allowing the cheese to melt into the mixture, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. If you decided to use Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, mix it in until everything is well combined.
4. Season the Sauce:
Add the salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to the creamy mixture. Stir well to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully. Adjust the seasoning to your taste if necessary.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Carefully toss the cooked rotini pasta into the creamy cottage cheese sauce. Make sure all the pasta is evenly coated with that delicious sauce—you want every bite to be flavorful!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Plate your creamy cottage cheese pasta, and then garnish with fresh herbs of your choice. You can also add an extra sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top for an added touch. Looks delicious already!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your creamy cottage cheese pasta warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite. It’s sure to become a favorite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cottage cheese is the star of this recipe, you can use ricotta for a smoother texture or paneer for a unique flavor twist. Feel free to mix it up based on your preference!
Can I Make This Pasta Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the cottage cheese with vegan cream cheese or a cashew cream blend. Use plant-based milk in place of heavy cream. Just ensure your pasta is also egg-free for a fully vegan dish.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of extra milk or cream while reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can add sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even peas for some extra nutrition and flavor. Just cook the vegetables to your liking before combining them with the pasta and sauce.
