Looking for a healthier way to satisfy those pasta cravings? This creamy basil cottage cheese pasta is a total game-changer. By blending cottage cheese, you get a velvety, protein-packed sauce without the need for heavy cream or complex ingredients.
It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
225g spaghetti
250g cottage cheese (full-fat or 2% works best for creaminess)
1 cup fresh basil, packed
1 clove garlic
30g parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, and chilli flakes (to taste)
Pasta water (reserved from boiling)
Method
1 Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Cook your spaghetti until al dente. Crucially, reserve 120ml of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2 Blend the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, add the cottage cheese, fresh basil, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
3 Combine: Drain the pasta and return it to the pan (ensure the heat is turned off). Pour your blended sauce over the hot spaghetti.
4 Emulsify: Add a splash (about 2–3 tbsp) of the reserved hot pasta water to the pan. Toss the spaghetti vigorously. The heat and starch from the water will transform the mixture into a silky, glossy coating. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
5 Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chilli flakes. Serve immediately, topped with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkling of parmesan.
Pro-Tips for Success
Mind the Heat: Cottage cheese can become grainy if overheated. Always blend the sauce cold and only add it to the pasta once the pan is off the heat.
Room Temperature: If you have time, let the cottage cheese sit out for 10–15 minutes before blending; it achieves a much smoother consistency at room temperature.
Customise It: Want more greens? Add a handful of spinach into the blender. For more depth, throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or browned sausage.
Do you have a favourite high-protein pasta hack? Let me know in the comments below!
LCChaosandhome 
Leave a comment