If you’re searching for a pasta dish that’s rich, comforting, and secretly healthy, look no further than this Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta. It’s a creamy, dreamy bowl of goodness that blends the silky texture of whipped cottage cheese with warm pasta and savory garlic to create something you’ll crave again and again.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your fridge, and delivers that velvety sauce feeling without any heavy cream. With its subtle tang and cheesy depth, this pasta feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pasta

This dish stands out for being both wholesome and indulgent. Thanks to the protein-packed cottage cheese, you get a creamy base that supports your nutritional goals while still feeling like a treat. The garlic adds savory depth, and a touch of lemon brings it all to life with a fresh brightness. Whether you’re serving it to your kids or prepping it for a solo cozy night in, it hits all the right notes.

Plus, it’s totally customizable. Toss in spinach, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken if you want to make it heartier. It’s a pasta that welcomes creativity and adapts to whatever you have on hand.

What Kind of Cottage Cheese Should I Use?

For the best creamy results, go with full-fat or 2% cottage cheese. The extra fat content helps it blend into a smooth, luscious sauce without tasting grainy. Small curd cottage cheese tends to whip smoother than large curd. You can use low-fat if you prefer, but you might need to add a splash of pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to bring back some of that creaminess.

If texture is a concern, whip the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor before combining it with your cooked pasta. This creates a sauce so silky, you won’t even believe it started as curds.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

This pasta keeps things deliciously simple, which is part of its charm. Every ingredient adds a little something special to the final dish.

Cottage cheese – The star of the show. It gives the sauce a velvety, creamy base that’s also high in protein.

Pasta – Short shapes like rigatoni, penne, or shells work great for catching the sauce, but spaghetti or linguine also shine.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic sautéed in olive oil infuses the entire dish with bold flavor.

Lemon zest and juice – Adds a vibrant, fresh twist that cuts through the creaminess perfectly.

Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, umami kick that deepens the overall flavor.

Olive oil – Used to sauté the garlic and adds richness to the sauce.

Salt and pepper – Essential for balancing all the flavors.

Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta (1)

How To Make the Ultimate Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

While the pasta cooks, blend the cottage cheese with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. You can do this in a blender or food processor.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the garlic. Remove from heat and stir in the whipped cottage cheese mixture. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and give everything a good toss. Serve hot, with extra lemon zest or a crack of pepper on top.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Pasta

This recipe makes enough to serve about 4 people generously. It’s ideal as a weeknight dinner, but it also works well as a next-day lunch. If you have leftovers, let them cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a small splash of water or milk to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. A quick warm-up on the stovetop or in the microwave does the trick. Avoid overcooking or the sauce can dry out.

What to Serve With Cottage Cheese Pasta?

A Simple Arugula Salad

The peppery bite of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy texture of the pasta beautifully.

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Toast

Crunchy, golden bread adds contrast and is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

These veggies bring roasted depth and some welcomed bitterness that balances the richness.

Grilled Chicken or Shrimp

For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top or on the side.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms cooked with a bit of butter and thyme enhance the umami flavors.

Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes

Sweet and tangy tomatoes create little bursts of flavor in every bite.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

Pair your creamy pasta with a crisp white wine to elevate dinner to date-night level.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love creamy pasta recipes like this one, here are a few more to explore from Mia Plates:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a hearty and meaty option.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you’re craving something cozy and easy.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for cheese lovers who want a twist.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you need a classic done right.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, one-pan dinner that satisfies.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add greens? A pinch of chili flakes? Maybe a different cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other get even better in the kitchen.

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