Dinner

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe

ByRafael Mansero November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Introduction

This high protein cottage cheese pasta sauce is creamy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It combines the richness of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt with a tangy tomato base, making it a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta sauces.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta, with thick noodles covered in a smooth, light yellow sauce. There are small pieces of red tomato mixed in, and black pepper sprinkled over the top. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on the center and around the edges of the dish. The pasta looks soft and rich, and the sauce has a shiny texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the olive oil to the pan and let it warm for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the tomato sauce to the pan, stirring gently to combine with the oil.
Step 4: Pour in the water and stir to thin out the tomato sauce slightly.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, occasionally stirring.
Step 6: While the sauce simmers, place the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese into a blender or food processor.
Step 7: Add the garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt to the blender with the cheeses and yogurt.
Step 8: Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Once the sauce has simmered, slowly pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture into the pan with the tomato sauce.
Step 10: Stir the mixture gently to combine the creamy sauce with the tomato base.
Step 11: Let the sauce cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 12: Add the lemon juice to the sauce and stir until well incorporated.
Step 13: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if necessary.
Step 14: Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through.
Step 15: Remove the pan from the heat and serve the sauce over your favorite pasta.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother sauce, strain the cottage cheese before blending to reduce any excess whey.
Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for extra freshness.
Use low-fat or full-fat dairy depending on your preference for creaminess and calorie content.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling and separation. This sauce is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up top view of a black bowl filled with creamy white sauce pasta, where short twisted pasta shapes are coated in the smooth sauce. The dish is topped with scattered green herbs and pepper flakes, adding texture and specks of dark green and red. In the center, a fresh, bright green basil leaf garnish sits on top, contrasting with the light sauce and pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small glass container of crushed pepper and some loose fresh basil leaves placed nearby, adding freshness and color to the setup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, you can use 1-2 minced garlic cloves instead of garlic powder. Add it to the olive oil at the beginning and sauté briefly before adding the tomato sauce.