Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup full-fat or 2% small curd cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup warm milk or reserved pasta water
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Optional mix-ins: wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers
Instructions
- Place cottage cheese in a bowl and mash with a fork or whisk until smooth. For best results, push through a fine mesh strainer.

- Warm the smoothed cottage cheese slightly to help mix evenly.
- Transfer to a saucepan over low heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling.
- Gradually add warm milk or pasta water, whisking to form a creamy sauce.
- Stir in garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add Parmesan and olive oil or butter if using, and stir until well combined and warmed through.
- Toss with cooked pasta of choice and serve immediately.
- Optional: Fold in roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded chicken for a complete meal.
Notes
Use full-fat, small curd cottage cheese for best texture. Always warm gently to avoid curdling. This sauce is best served fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg