Description
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta sauces. Combining cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese with herbs and tomato sauce, it offers a rich texture and a boost of protein, perfect for a hearty pasta meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Sauce Base
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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 the 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 olive oil.
- Thin the sauce: Add the water and stir to slightly thin the tomato sauce for better consistency.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cheese mixture: While the sauce simmers, place cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese into a blender or food processor.
- Add seasonings: Add garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt to the blender with the cheese mixture.
- Blend the mixture: Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy, creating a rich, protein-packed base.
- Combine sauces: Slowly pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the simmered tomato sauce in the pan.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir gently to combine the creamy cheese mixture with the tomato base evenly.
- Cook sauce: Let the combined sauce cook for an additional 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the richness.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and add extra salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Final simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to ensure it is heated through and flavors meld together.
- Serve: Remove from heat and spoon the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta for a creamy, high-protein meal.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water or tomato sauce to adjust consistency.
- This sauce pairs well with penne, fusilli, or spaghetti pasta varieties.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove to prevent curdling or breaking of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: high protein pasta sauce, cottage cheese sauce, creamy pasta sauce, healthy pasta sauce, Italian sauce, low fat sauce
