If you're looking for a high-protein pasta dish that’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for the whole family, this Pasta with Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce is just the answer! Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe uses cottage cheese for a protein-packed twist on traditional Alfredo sauce.
If you’re looking for a creamy pasta dish that’s packed with protein and easy to make, this pasta with creamy cottage cheese sauce is just what you need! Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient here. It creates a rich, velvety sauce that rivals traditional Alfredo sauce but with a fraction of the calories and a big protein boost.
Cottage cheese has been one of my go-to ingredients for healthy, protein-packed recipes, and it’s so versatile! If you’re a fan, check out my Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Dip, and Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Pudding for even more ways to enjoy this nutrient-dense staple.
This creamy cottage cheese pasta recipe offers the perfect way to enjoy a rich and smooth sauce without relying on heavy cream. Cottage cheese brings a deliciously creamy base to the sauce and is a great source of protein. It gives the whole meal a boost that even picky eaters will love!
Pair this high-protein pasta sauce with your favorite pasta for a tasty, nutritious, and balanced pasta night that the whole family will love. The best part? This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce can be made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, making it an easy weeknight meal that comes together in no time.
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Why You’ll Love This Dish
- High in Protein: Cottage cheese is packed with protein, making this pasta a great option for a nutritious meal that keeps you feeling full. Each serving has 34 grams of protein!
- Healthier Alfredo Alternative: This creamy sauce gives you the rich, satisfying texture of traditional Alfredo but with less fat and a boost of nutrients.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, homemade meal without the wait.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
- Family-Friendly: This pasta is a hit with the whole family—even picky eaters love it!
Doctor’s Tips
- Cottage cheese is a nutritional powerhouse, making it an excellent choice for a high-protein meal. With about 13-15 grams of protein per half-cup serving, it provides a fantastic protein boost to help keep you full and support muscle health.
- Protein-rich foods like cottage cheese are essential for maintaining energy levels and promoting satiety, which can be especially helpful if you’re trying to make healthier choices or control hunger between meals.
- Cottage cheese is also rich in calcium, which is vital for bone health, and contains important nutrients like B vitamins and phosphorus. Plus, it's relatively low in fat and calories, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes—whether you’re using it as a creamy pasta sauce base, a dip, or even a snack.
- Chickpea or lentil pasta can add even more protein and fiber, making this dish extra filling and nutritious.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Pasta: I like to use farfalle (bowties) or penne; you can also use fettuccini for a more traditional Alfredo-type dish.
- Cottage Cheese: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cottage cheese, which helps the sauce achieve a rich consistency similar to traditional Alfredo. You can also use 2% cottage cheese.
- Pesto: Store-bought basil pesto adds a ton of flavor to the sauce because it has ingredients like garlic, basil, and parmesan cheese.
- Broccoli: I like to add fiber and nutrients to the dish with broccoli but you can also add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, baby spinach, or corn.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce. For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan.
- Olive Oil (not pictured): Adds a touch of richness to the sauce, but a little butter can be used as a substitute.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Add a pop of color and flavor to the dish
- Chicken breast: Diced, cooked chicken breast makes this dish heartier and adds even more protein. You can use rotisserie chicken or substitute other meat like shrimp, ground turkey or beef. Leave the meat out for a vegetarian pasta dish.
How To Make Pasta with Creamy Cottage Cheese SauceStep-by-Step
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Step 1- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli during the last 2-3 minutes. Drain, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
- Step 2- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, pesto, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and some of the reserved pasta water. Blend until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Step 3- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and diced chicken (if using) to a sauté pan. Pour the cottage cheese sauce into the pan.
- Step 4- Toss to combine all the ingredients well. Once the ingredients are warm, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with parmesan cheese and serve.
Chef’s Tips
- I use cottage cheese from the brand Good Culture. It has 28 grams of protein per cup! I prefer 4% (whole milk) over 2% (low-fat) for this recipe as it makes a creamier sauce, but you can use what you like.
- Use low heat to keep the dish warm after adding the cottage cheese pasta sauce, as it may separate on high heat.
- I like to add fiber and nutrients to the dish with veggies. I like broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes, but you can also add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, baby spinach, or corn.
- I add some cooked chicken breast for a protein boost. It's the perfect way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can use other meat like ground turkey, beef or even shrimp. If you're looking for a vegetarian pasta dish, leave it out.
Recipe FAQs
You can store the leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or water to thin it out as needed.
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Yes, just leave out the chicken and this dish is perfect for a meatless meal that’s still high in protein.
Any pasta will work. I like to use farfalle (bowties) or penne but you can also use fettuccini for a more traditional alfredo dish. You can use chickpea pasta or lentil pasta for an extra protein boost.
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Recipe
Pasta with Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce (High Protein)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces farfalle or penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 cup cottage cheese (I use full-fat cottage cheese)
- ¼ cup prepared basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (can use the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
- ⅓ cup pasta water
- ¼ cup julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups diced, cooked chicken breast (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. When they’re tender, drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Add the cottage cheese, pesto, parmesan cheese, and olive oil to a blender. Pour in ⅓ cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth. Add more pasta water, if needed, to thin out the sauce.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and diced chicken (if using). Pour the cottage cheese sauce into the pan and toss to combine all the ingredients well. Once the ingredients are warm, remove the skillet from the heat. Don’t let the sauce get too hot as it may separate.
- Serve the pasta with extra parmesan cheese on the side for topping.
Nutrition
About the author
Dr. Sonali Ruder
Meet Dr. Sonali Ruder aka The Foodie Physician- ER doctor, chef, culinary creator & mom.
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