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Creamy high protein cottage cheese pasta sauce served over penne pasta with fresh herbs

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

A creamy, high-protein pasta sauce made with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt that delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 15 minutes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup tomato sauce quality marinara preferred
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese whole milk preferred
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed

Equipment

  • Medium-sized pan
  • High-powered blender or food processor
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat a medium-sized pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Let it warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmers.
  2. Add tomato sauce to the pan, stirring gently to combine with oil. Pour in water and stir to thin the sauce slightly.
  3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deeper flavors. Begin preparing cottage cheese mixture while this simmers.
  4. In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan. Add garlic powder, basil, oregano, pepper, and salt.
  5. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy with no visible lumps. The mixture should look like thick cream.
  6. Slowly pour the cottage cheese mixture into the simmered tomato sauce, stirring gently to combine. Keep heat on low to prevent curdling.
  7. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add lemon juice and stir until incorporated.
  8. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve immediately over cooked pasta.

Notes

Serves 4. Use whole milk cottage cheese for richest flavor. High-powered blender recommended for smoothest texture. Store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.