12 Easy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipes for Quick Dinners

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Cottage cheese is often celebrated for its versatility and health benefits, but did you know it can also be a star ingredient in pasta sauces? Packed with protein and offering a creamy texture, cottage cheese is an excellent alternative to traditional cream-based sauces.

Whether you’re looking to lighten up your favorite pasta dishes or simply want to try something new, these 12 cottage cheese pasta sauce recipes will elevate your meals to the next level.

From classic Alfredo to vibrant pesto, each recipe is designed to bring out the best in your pasta while keeping it nutritious and delicious.

cottage cheese pasta sauce recipes

1. Creamy Tomato and Cottage Cheese Sauce

tomato cottage cheese pasta

This rich tomato sauce is made healthier with cottage cheese, adding extra protein and a light but creamy texture. It’s perfect for a comforting pasta dish that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Blend cottage cheese until smooth and stir into the tomato sauce.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

2. Spinach and Cottage Cheese Pesto Sauce

spinach cottage cheese pasta sauce

This vibrant green sauce combines fresh spinach and basil pesto with creamy cottage cheese for a nutrient-rich pasta topping that’s both delicious and healthy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, combine spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Blend until finely chopped.
  2. Add cottage cheese and blend until smooth.
  3. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

3. Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce

alfredo cottage cheese sauce

A lighter version of the classic Alfredo sauce, this recipe uses cottage cheese and Parmesan to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for any pasta dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk until smooth.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the blended cottage cheese mixture. Heat through, adding more milk if needed for consistency.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

4. Roasted Red Pepper and Cottage Cheese Sauce

red pepper cottage cheese sauce

This rich and flavorful sauce made with roasted red peppers and cottage cheese adds a smoky touch to your pasta dishes, making them unique and delectable.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

5. Garlic and Herb Cottage Cheese Sauce

garlic cottage cheese sauce

This fresh and zesty sauce made with garlic, herbs, and cottage cheese is ideal for a light pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

6. Cottage Cheese and Mushroom Sauce

mushroom cottage cheese sauce

A hearty and savory sauce made with sautéed mushrooms and cottage cheese, perfect for a comforting pasta meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
  2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
  3. Stir in vegetable or chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Blend cottage cheese until smooth and stir into the mushroom mixture.
  5. Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

7. Lemon and Dill Cottage Cheese Sauce

lemon cottage cheese pasta sauce

A bright and tangy sauce made with lemon and dill, perfect for pairing with pasta and seafood. This sauce is light and refreshing, ideal for summer meals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta, especially with seafood.

8. Pesto and Cottage Cheese Sauce

pesto cottage cheese sauce

This rich and creamy sauce combines the flavors of traditional basil pesto with the protein-packed creaminess of cottage cheese, perfect for any pasta dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts. Blend until finely chopped.
  2. Add cottage cheese and blend until smooth.
  3. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

9. Cottage Cheese Marinara Sauce

marinara cottage cheese sauce

A protein-rich twist on classic marinara sauce, this recipe combines tomatoes and cottage cheese for a creamy texture that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
  2. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Blend cottage cheese until smooth and stir into the tomato mixture.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

10. Avocado and Cottage Cheese Sauce

avocado cottage cheese sauce

A creamy, healthy sauce combining the richness of avocado with the protein of cottage cheese, perfect for a fresh and nutritious pasta dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, avocado, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro. Blend until smooth.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

11. Cottage Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

sundried tomato cottage cheese sauce

This flavorful sauce combines the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes with the creaminess of cottage cheese, creating a unique and delicious pasta topping.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrated and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.
  2. With the blender running, slowly add olive oil until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  3. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

12. Cottage Cheese Carbonara

cottage cheese carbonara

A healthier take on the classic carbonara, this recipe uses cottage cheese to create a creamy, protein-rich sauce that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend cottage cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  3. In a large pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cooked pasta and bacon.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the cottage cheese mixture, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

These 12 cottage cheese pasta sauce recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures, making it easy to create nutritious and delicious meals. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discovering your favorites!