Got no time but want something tasty? This cottage cheese pasta is seriously game-changing. I stumbled on this recipe when I had nothing but a tub of cottage cheese and some pasta in my pantry. What happened next totally surprised me – it turned into this creamy, protein-packed dinner that my whole family now requests weekly. The best part? It’s ready in just 20 mins and uses ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients for the Best Cottage Cheese Pasta
The Basics
- 12 oz pasta (any shape works but I prefer penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat gives best results)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup pasta water (save this when draining!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Flavor Boosters
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan (pre-grated works fine)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (game-changer for freshness)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil parsley or chives work great)
The cottage cheese is obviously the star here. Don’t worry about getting fancy expensive brands – any cottage cheese works. If texture bothers you, blend it up first but honestly once it melts into the pasta you won’t notice the curds at all.
For pasta shapes small or medium ones work best because they catch all the creamy sauce in their nooks. If you’re gluten-free just sub in your fav GF pasta – the recipe works exactly the same.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta
- Boil water in large pot. Add salt (be generous) and cook pasta according to package but take it out 1 min early for perfect texture. IMPORTANT: Save 1/2 cup pasta water before draining!
- While pasta cooks heat olive oil in large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant about 30 seconds. Don’t let it brown or it’ll taste bitter.
- Add cottage cheese to pan and stir until it starts melting about 1-2 mins. It might look weird at first but keep stirring.
- Add 1/4 cup pasta water and stir until sauce gets smooth and creamy. This is when the magic happens.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss until every piece is coated. If it seems too thick add more pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
- Mix in parmesan red pepper flakes lemon zest and fresh herbs. The residual heat will melt everything together perfectly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cottage cheese can be bland so don’t be shy with seasonings.
The whole process takes about 20 mins tops and most of that is just waiting for water to boil. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce coats the back of a spoon and the pasta has a slight bite to it.
Tasty Cottage Cheese Pasta Variations
Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Pasta
Add halved cherry tomatoes kalamata olives and crumbled feta instead of parmesan. Finish with fresh oregano.
Veggie-Packed Cottage Cheese Pasta
Toss in sautéed zucchini spinach and peas. Great way to use up leftover veggies.
Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
Mix everything together then transfer to baking dish. Top with more cheese and breadcrumbs then bake at 375°F for 15 mins until golden.
Lemon Herb Cottage Cheese Pasta
Double the lemon zest and herbs for a super fresh summer version. Works great cold for picnics.
Protein-Boost Cottage Cheese Pasta
Add shredded rotisserie chicken or canned tuna for extra protein. Check out my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for more protein-pasta inspiration.
Cottage Cheese Pasta FAQs
Can I make cottage cheese pasta ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead but best assembled fresh. If you must make ahead undercook pasta slightly and add extra pasta water when reheating. The cottage cheese sauce thickens a lot in fridge.
How do I store leftover cottage cheese pasta?
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Add splash of water or milk when reheating to bring back creaminess.
Can I freeze cottage cheese pasta?
Not recommended. Dairy-based sauces separate when frozen and thawed. The texture gets weird and grainy.
What’s the best cottage cheese to use for pasta?
Full-fat works best for creaminess but light version works too just slightly less rich. Small or large curd both fine – it all melts anyway.
Is cottage cheese pasta healthy?
Definitely healthier than cream-based pasta. Cottage cheese adds tons of protein with less fat than cream. One serving has about 20g protein depending on pasta used.
What to serve with cottage cheese pasta?
Simple green salad works great. Or garlic bread for dipping in extra sauce. If you want something fancier try my Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for date night.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yep ricotta works great too. It’s smoother but less protein. Mix 50/50 cottage cheese and ricotta for best of both worlds.
The Cottage Cheese Pasta Everyone Will Ask For
First time I served this cottage cheese pasta at a family dinner my brother-in-law wouldn’t believe it was just cottage cheese. He kept asking for my “secret ingredient” but honestly its just good quality ingredients combined simply. That’s always been my cooking philosophy – let simple ingredients shine.
This recipe has saved countless weeknight dinners at my house. When kids are hungry and patience is thin I know I can have this cottage cheese pasta on the table in 20 mins. It’s become our go-to comfort food that somehow feels special even though it’s so simple.
Try this cottage cheese pasta recipe tonight and see how something so basic can taste so amazing. Tag @thecrispychef if you make it – I love seeing your versions!
Cottage Cheese Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large pan or skillet
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Microplane or zester (optional for lemon zest)
Ingredients
The Basics
- 12 oz pasta penne or fusilli preferred
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Flavor Boosters
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs basil, parsley, or chives
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cottage cheese and stir for 1–2 minutes until it starts to melt.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of pasta water until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Adjust with more pasta water if needed.
- Stir in parmesan, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and fresh herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.