High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a creamy, flavorful sauce perfect for adding a nutritious boost to your pasta dishes. Combining cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan with herbs and tomato sauce, it creates a rich, protein-packed topping that’s both healthy and delicious. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy way to enhance your meals with wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat pan: Heat a medium-sized pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sauce.
- Warm olive oil: Add the olive oil to the pan and let it warm for about 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Add tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the pan, stirring gently to combine with the oil for an even base.
- Thin sauce: Pour in the water and stir well to thin out the tomato sauce slightly for a better consistency.
- Simmer sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Blend cheese mixture: While the sauce simmers, place cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese into a blender or food processor. Add garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Blend ingredients: Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a perfect texture for the sauce.
- Combine sauces: Slowly pour the creamy cheese mixture into the tomato sauce pan and stir gently to combine thoroughly.
- Cook combined sauce: Let the sauce cook for 5 additional minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice until fully incorporated to add a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and add extra salt or pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Final simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through completely.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the flavorful high-protein sauce over your favorite pasta immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if available, using about 1 tablespoon each.
- For a smoother sauce, strain the cottage cheese before blending.
- This sauce pairs well with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the dairy.
