Jump To Recipeby Liz Thomson
April 13, 2023This post may contain affiliate links.
This rich and creamy sauce is secretly healthy, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese! This high-protein sauce is perfect when you’re craving comfort food, but you want to enjoy something lighter!
Looking for a delicious and creamy pasta sauce that’s low in calories but high in protein? Look no further than this recipe for cottage cheese pasta sauce! Made with tangy cottage cheese and lots of garlic, this sauce is the perfect way to elevate your favorite pasta dish. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pasta sauces, this recipe will become a new favorite!
What is Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce?
This sauce is similar to a vodka sauce, but we use cottage cheese instead of heavy cream! This makes it rich and creamy but lower in fat and higher in protein. You can use vodka or lemon juice to add the tangy, zippy flavor of typical vodka sauce. It’s a simple recipe that only requires a few ingredients but it makes a delicious, homemade sauce!
Benefits of Using Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. Plus, it’s much lower in fat and calories than heavy cream. It’s a great way to create a creamy pasta dish without any actual cream. Overall, cottage cheese is a nutritious and delicious addition to this sauce!
My Favorite Brands of Cottage Cheese
I love the Good Culture brand but I’ve also tested this recipe with Breakstone, Trader Joe’s, and Kroger’s store brand cottage cheese. I do recommend using a 4% milkfat version, which will give you super creamy results. But you can use a low fat kind, if you prefer. Look for a low sodium option if you need to watch your sodium intake.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Pasta: Any pasta can be used, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. I like Barilla’s Protein Plus pasta which has extra protein and fiber.
Cottage cheese: I prefer 4% milkfat cottage cheese for this recipe because it has the creamiest texture. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you could use ricotta cheese or cream cheese as a substitute.
Olive oil: This healthy fat adds flavor and helps to cook the garlic. Any other cooking oil can be used as a substitute.
Garlic: Adds flavor and depth to the sauce. You could use garlic powder as a substitute.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: You could use canned whole tomatoes or regular diced tomatoes as a substitute.
Vodka or lemon juice: This adds acidity to the sauce. This could be replaced with red or white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
Pasta water: The starchy water is used to thin the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
originally posted April 13, 2023 (updated April 10, 2024)by Liz Thomson categories:Dinner49 comments
I was literally just thinking today that I should have bought ricotta to make a pasta for m y lunches next week, then came across this recipe! I am running back out to the store now – looks incredible! Exactly what I wanted!
I encounter so many people who do not like cottage cheese, your recipe is so good and a great way to use a healthier ingredient to make a much loved meal!
Loved the addition of cottage cheese. It was so creamy and delicious. Cottage cheese is usually overlooked but not anymore. I’ll have to add more of it to my grocery cart.
Found this recipe by looking for a good use for a tub of cottage cheese, and I’m so glad I did. I would have never thought to put it in a pasta sauce – but it’s delicious! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and guilt-free this cottage cheese pasta sauce is! Definitely a recipe I’ll be making again and again!
I was literally just thinking today that I should have bought ricotta to make a pasta for m y lunches next week, then came across this recipe! I am running back out to the store now – looks incredible! Exactly what I wanted!
I encounter so many people who do not like cottage cheese, your recipe is so good and a great way to use a healthier ingredient to make a much loved meal!
This looks so yummy! loved that you added cottage cheese to the pasta sauce. Can’t wait to try out this recipe!
Oooh, definitely the perfect comfort food! I love how you made this pasta sauce with cottage cheese. The flavors sound amazing.
Loved the addition of cottage cheese. It was so creamy and delicious. Cottage cheese is usually overlooked but not anymore. I’ll have to add more of it to my grocery cart.
This recipe is genius. And delicious. Making again soon!!!
What a great idea to replace the heavy cream with cottage cheese! The fire roasted tomatoes give this dish a great flavor.
Love this healthier spin on classic creamy vodka sauce. So easy and kid-friendly too!
Found this recipe by looking for a good use for a tub of cottage cheese, and I’m so glad I did. I would have never thought to put it in a pasta sauce – but it’s delicious! Thanks for the recipe 🙂